Policeman in serious condition after being run over by suspected car thief

A police officer is in hospital with serious injuries after being run over by a suspected car thief.

West Midlands Police said the officer is being treated for head and pelvic injuries following the incident in Birmingham on Saturday afternoon.

The force said a man, who refused to provide any personal details, had been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

In a statement, West Midlands Police said the traffic officer was in Moorcroft Road, Moseley, tracing a Range Rover Sport which had been stolen minutes earlier from a woman.

The force said that as the officer attempted to arrest the suspect at about 4.45pm, he was violently assaulted and punched to the ground.

He was then run over by the suspect as he got behind the wheel of the officer's marked patrol car.

West Midlands Police said it is understood the man drove the vehicle for around a mile into Ladypool Road, Sparkbrook, where he abandoned it and tried to steal another car.

Back-up officers, including armed police, cornered the suspect, who was Tasered and arrested.

Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Boycott said: "This is a shocking attack in which a member of our police family has been seriously hurt while trying to detain a crime suspect.

"I'm heading to the hospital now to get an update on his condition and offer whatever support I can to him and his family.

"Attacks on our officers and staff won't be tolerated and we will always seek the toughest possible criminal justice outcome for offenders."

The incident comes just days after Metropolitan Police officer Stuart Outten was left with head and hand injuries after challenging a motor offences suspect allegedly armed with a machete in east London.

Muhammad Rodwan, 56, has been charged with the attempted murder of Pc Outten, 28, and possession of an offensive weapon following the incident in Leyton just after midnight on Thursday.