A policeman left seriously injured with a fractured skull in a hit-and-run in Coventry has been named today as PC Christopher Burnham.
West Midlands Police named him at a press conference this afternoon as the hunt for the driver who struck him continues.
PC Burnham, aged 48, was trying to stop a Mini to identify its driver just before 2.45pm yesterday (Wednesday).
But he was then hit by the car in what detectives are treating as a deliberate act.
It was then driven away from the scene, at the junction of Holbrooks Lane and Burnaby Road.
The force said: “PC Burnham, who has been with the force for 25 years and has a wife and son aged 10, was left with a fractured skull, a bleed on the brain and a shattered knee.
“He is being supported by his family in hospital, where he is expected to remain for some time.
“The Mini was recovered a short time later nearby and will be forensically examined. Officers are trawling for CCTV, and are appealing for anyone with dash cam footage of what happened to come forward.”
Chief Superintendent Mike O’Hara, in charge of policing in Coventry, said: “Chris is a very well-regarded and proactive Foleshill neighbourhood officer, who has a number of commendations.
“He was doing his job in keeping Coventry safe when he has been deliberately driven at by someone who then made off from the scene.
“I’ve spent time with Chris and his wife in hospital today and it’s clear he now faces a long road to recovery. We will do everything possible to support him and his family through this really difficult time.
“I’ve also spent time with Chris’ colleagues, and they have been left shocked and upset by what’s happened.
“But our officers come together at trying times like this to offer support and comfort to each other and remain determined to do their jobs to the best of their ability.
“Our priority remains with the wellbeing of the officer, his family and his colleagues and we will stop at nothing to locate the offender and bring him to justice for this heinous crime.”
Anyone with information has been asked to contact police via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk, or via 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
