Police officer injured after being hit by van in Manchester

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/oct/18/police-officer-injured-hit-van-manchester-blackley

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A police officer has been taken to hospital after he was hit by a van while attending reports of a disturbance.

Greater Manchester police (GMP) said officers were called to Sandyhill Road in Blackley shortly after 7.30am on Thursday. They attempted to speak to the driver of a black Citroën Berlingo van, but it collided with an officer and several vehicles belonging to members of the public and police.

The 43-year-old officer was taken to hospital and is said to be in a stable condition.

The van drove off in the direction of Newton Heath, where it has since been recovered.

Supt Chris Hill, of GMP’s city of Manchester division, said: “We’re determined to find those responsible for this terrible incident and you will see an increased police presence in the area as officers are working at and around the scene.

“At this stage I would urge anyone that saw anyone acting suspiciously or a black Citroën van in the area around the time of the incident to get in touch as soon as possible.”

The force’s chief constable, Ian Hopkins, said: “This is a shocking incident from the early hours of this morning that has left one of my officers in hospital. Officers put their lives on the line to protect people and property and the consequences of this incident could have been much more serious.

“I hope that any member of the local community that knows anything about this will help to ensure we can catch the offenders as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 3610, or 101, quoting incident number 395 of October 18, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.