A police officer remains in hospital after suffering serious injuries in a hit and run.
The victim had been called to reports of a backpack being on Hewitt Avenue , St Helens, that was suspected to contain cannabis, at around 8.05pm on Tuesday, May 18. While one of his colleague was retrieving the bag, at around 8.15pm, the victim approached a white Ford Transit van.
The suspects inside the van were reportedly acting suspiciously nearby. They then drove at the officer, hitting him, before speeding away from the scene.
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Police confirmed the victim sustained a serious injury to his shoulder, and injuries to his right arm and right leg. He was taken to hospital for treatment, where his condition is described as serious but stable.
Two people have since been arrested in connection with the hit and run. A short time later, it was reported two men were running from a vehicle into fields near the East Lancashire Road, and had thrown a bag.
Officers attended, the men were detained and the bag and vehicle - which had been left on Ecclesfield Road - were recovered for forensic examination. Two men from Rochdale have been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and taken into custody to be questioned.
Chief Inspector Jim Wilde said: "Every single day, Merseyside Police officers fearlessly put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public from harm. Our Emergency and Priority Response officers are called upon to attend incidents that can involve a whole range of criminality including the use of aggression, violence and weapons.
"They do so willingly, because they have joined the police service to protect people and keep Merseyside safe. Sadly, this evening our officer’s dedication has come at a great cost to himself.
"Thankfully he is now receiving the care and treatment he needs, and everyone at Merseyside Police wishes him well. He will receive our full support as he recovers from this terrible incident."
Chief Inspector Wilde added: "We have made two arrests, spoken to a number of witnesses and are studying CCTV footage from the area following the incident. But I want to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed any part of it, or who has CCTV or dashcam not yet submitted to police, to come forward.
"Your information or evidence could prove vital as we seek to bring those responsible to justice. You can pass on any information via DM @MerPolCC, ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook quoting with reference 22000339976. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111"
