Man held over ‘murder bid’ after car strikes police officers

Two police officers were hit by a fast-moving Mercedes Benz in a “deliberate act” early on Monday morning.

The officers had been carrying out a routine drugs check in Littlehampton, Sussex when the saloon car struck the two officers and another man.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and police are trying to track down two more individuals.

The two police officers and the other man were transported to hospital to be treated for serious injuries.

The driver of the Mercedes-Benz, aged 20, ran off but was stopped and arrested by officers on suspicion of attempted murder.

Police are still trying to track down two passengers.

Assistant Chief Constable Julia Chapman said: “This is being investigated as a deliberate attack on two police officers in the course of carrying out their duties.

“Their injuries, and that of the man they were with, whilst serious, are not believed to be life threatening.

“Two passengers in the car remain outstanding and we urge the public to help us trace and bring to justice all of those involved.”

The incident occurred at the Bodyshop roundabout on the A259 at Littlehampton at approximately 1.05am.

The two local response officers, a man and woman, were carrying out a routine drugs check on a car and had detained one man on suspicion of drugs offences at the side of the road when the second car approached.

Two men, passengers in the Mercedes, ran off.

The area was searched but they have not yet been found.

The road was closed for the scene to be secured and examined.

Anyone who saw what happened or who has any other information is asked to contact the police online or by calling 101, quoting Operation Oxbridge.