Man arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving after car reversed into police vehicle

We have arrested a man on suspicion of dangerous driving and attempted s18 wounding after a car was reversed into a police vehicle, narrowly missed an officer.

At around 2.40am today, Friday 6 December, a Matrix police dog handler attempted to stop a Honda car, which had previously been sighted driving at high speed, on Richmond Gardens in Newton-le-Willows.

The driver failed to co-operate or get out of the car and the officer applied one handcuff. The car was then reversed into the officer’s police vehicle, narrowly missing knocking the officer over.

The officer made repeated attempts to stop the driver who got out of the car and ran away. PD Quga was then released and detained the driver, allowing the officer to apply the second handcuff.

A 34-year-old man from the Newton-le-Willows area was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, attempted s18 wounding, drink driving and driving while unfit through drugs and is currently in police custody.

Matrix Inspector Ian Peacock said: "This just goes to show the dangers our officers have to face every day when they are on the front line.

"Thankfully the officer in this case only suffered cuts, bruising and soreness but this could have had more serious consequences.

"This also demonstrates how much of a valuable asset our police dogs are to assist officers in detaining people and making arrests."