Police officer dragged along street by car

Police were called around 1-35pm on Sunday March 26th following reports of an altercation between two motorists in Burnley Road.

A woman driving a small white car alleged a bottle had been thrown at her vehicle by the occupants of a blue BMW.

Officers attended and found a male passenger from the BMW was stood talking to the female on the street. The driver of the BMW, a second man, then reversed, drove forward and the passenger returned to the vehicle.

An officer told the driver to stop and reached inside to remove the car keys, but the vehicle suddenly reversed at speed, dragging the officer 30 yards along the street. He eventually fell to the ground before the BMW made off from the scene.

The officer suffered cuts and bruises with injuries to his left shoulder, elbows and left knee. He was treated at hospital for minor injuries and the BMW was later recovered in the Brierfield area.

The passenger who returned to the vehicle is described as an Asian man, tall and of slim build. He was wearing a white t-shirt and beige coloured shorts.

Detectives are appealing for information following the incident and are particularly keen to speak to the female driver of the white vehicle involved in the initial altercation.

Det. Sgt Louise Darcy, of Burnley CID, said: “We have launched an investigation after an officer was injured following an incident in Brierfield.

“What started as a disagreement between two motorists has led to an policeman, attending the scene as a peacemaker, being assaulted after the vehicle was reversed while he attempted to remove the car keys.

“Fortunately the officer has not suffered serious injuries, but the incident could have been far worse.

“We are appealing for the driver of the white vehicle to come forward. She is described as a white female, aged in her mid-50s, of slim build, wearing a floral dress, driving in the direction of Nelson from Burnley.

“Furthermore, a number of witnesses on the street saw the incident and went to the assistance of the officer. If they have any more information, or know those involved, please contact police.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting crime reference EG1701936.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.