Policeman injured in lorry driver chase drama

A police officer was seriously injured when he was struck by a passing car after being threatened by the driver of a "suspicious" lorry during a chase, his force has said.

The Staffordshire Police officer was taken to hospital after stopping the HGV at around 6.15pm on Tuesday.

The lorry driver ran off and the officer followed him on foot along the A5 near Lichfield.

The suspect then threatened the officer with a fallen tree branch, causing him to step backwards towards the carriageway where he was struck by the car.

A force spokesman said: "The police officer from Tamworth police station has been taken to hospital with suspected serious leg and chest injuries.

"His family have been taken to hospital and colleagues are providing support to them."

The suspect, described as a 6ft white man who was slim, then carjacked a silver Ford Fiesta in a traffic jam.

The car was later found abandoned near a social club in nearby Pelsall, but officers have not arrested the suspect.

Anyone with information should call Staffordshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.