Motorist faces court after car driven at police officer

A motorist will appear in court after a car was allegedly driven at a police officer, forcing her to jump out of the way.

The police officer was controlling traffic in Grays while colleagues and paramedics tried to revive a man who had collapsed, Essex Police said.

The incident happened on Tuesday after a man in his 70s was taken ill at Orsett Road. He was later confirmed to have died at the scene.

As a PCSO directed traffic, a car drove at her, forcing her to jump out of the way, and the driver of the vehicle was arrested a few minutes later.

Piotr Kostuj, 19, of Conway Gardens, Grays, was charged with dangerous driving, attempted grievous bodily harm, failing to stop for police, driving without insurance and having an invalid driving licence.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Basildon Magistrates' Court.

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