Police Officer Seriously Hurt After Hit-and-Run in Woodford Green
A police officer was left seriously injured after being struck by a car that refused to stop during a chase in Woodford Green, London.
The Incident: High-Speed Chase Ends in Violence
Just after midnight on Monday, 6 January, officers spotted a grey Mini Cooper on Chigwell Hill near Saint Barnabus Road, E18, and signalled it to stop. The driver ignored them, sparking a police pursuit.
Officers waited on Chigwell Road, near Gaynes Hill Road and the M11 overpass, ready to intercept the vehicle. But when a police officer tried to deploy a Stop Stick to stop the car, he was hit by the speeding Mini Cooper. The suspect fled the scene immediately.
Officer Hospitalised, Suspect Still At Large
The officer, in his 30s, was rushed to hospital by London Ambulance Service. His condition is serious but stable, and thankfully his injuries are not life-threatening. He is receiving specialist support.
The getaway car was found abandoned at Woolhampton Way, Chigwell, about 35 minutes later. It had false ‘67’ year number plates. Police are hunting the driver.
Police Appeal for Witnesses and Dash Cam Footage
Detective Sergeant Jose-Paulo Qureshi said: “The officer was simply doing his duty when he was struck by the vehicle and seriously injured – he’s lucky not to have been killed.”
“The suspects fled, knowing they had hit an officer, leaving him injured in the road. We are working around the clock to find those responsible and urge anyone involved to hand themselves in.”
“We also appeal to the public: if you saw a grey Mini Cooper with ‘67’ plates driving erratically in Woodford Green or Chigwell between midnight and 00:45 on 6 January, please come forward.”
No arrests have been made yet. Police ask anyone with information or dash cam footage to call the Incident Room on 020 8597 4874, police on 101 quoting CAD 0043/6JAN, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
