THE policeman run over in a hit-and-run yesterday in Coventry has suffered a fractured skull, West Midlands Police confirmed today.
The force, in issuing an update, also declared it was stepping up its manhunt.
The neighbourhood officer, aged 48, was trying to stop a Mini at the junction of Holbrooks Lane and Burnaby Road just before 2.45pm yesterday (Wednesday) when it struck him and made off from the scene.
Police said today: “Detectives are treating it as a deliberate act.
“He was left with a fractured skull, a bleed on the brain and a shattered knee and is expected to remain in hospital for some time. He is being supported there by his family.
“The officer, who is married and has a son aged 10, has been an officer with the force for 25 years.
“The Mini was recovered a short time after the collision, and will be forensically examined.
“CCTV is being recovered and witnesses are being spoken to, as detectives work around the clock to identify the suspect.”
Ch Supt Mike O’Hara, in charge of policing in Coventry, said: “This is a very well-regarded and proactive 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.
“The officer now faces a long road to recovery, and we will do everything possible to support him and his family at this really difficult time.
“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.”
The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson said: “This incident is shocking, outrageous and truly devastating. My thoughts are with the officer, his family and friends at this time. We all wish him a speedy recovery.
“For one of our officers to be injured in the line of duty is completely unacceptable and I hope that the offender is swiftly found and bought to justice.”
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.
