A POLICEMAN was dragged 30 yards along the street while trying to stop a car.

Two men were arrested after the PC was injured when called out to a row in Brierfield.

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The officer, who has not been named, suffered cuts and bruises with injuries to his left shoulder, elbows and left knee.

He was treated at hospital and was back home recovering yesterday.

Officers were called to reports of an argument between two drivers in Burnley Road.

Police said a woman driving a small white car had a bottle thrown at her vehicle by men in a blue BMW.

When officers arrived they found a man from the BMW standing talking to the woman in the street.

The driver of the BMW, a second man, then reversed, drove forward and the passenger got back in the BMW.

The officer told the driver to stop and reached inside to remove the car keys, but the vehicle was reversed at speed, dragging the officer 30 yards along the street.

He eventually fell to the ground before the BMW was driven off.

The passenger was an Asian man, tall and of slim build. He was wearing a white T-shirt and beige coloured shorts. Police have not released a description of the driver.

The BMW was found by police in Sackville Street, Brierfield, and two men were arrested in connection with the incident.

A 37-year-old man from Nelson was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.

A 40-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and driving while disqualified. They have both been released on bail until May 15.

Detectives are appealing for information following the incident at 1.35pm on Sunday and are particularly keen to speak to the woman with the white car.

Det Sgt Louise Darcy said: “We have launched an investigation after an officer was injured following an incident in Brierfield.

“What started as a disagreement between two motorists has led to an policeman, attending the scene as a peacemaker, being assaulted after the vehicle was reversed while he attempted to remove the car keys.

“Fortunately the officer has not suffered serious injuries, but the incident could have been far worse.

“We are appealing for the driver of the white vehicle to come forward. She is described as a white female, aged in her mid-50s, of slim build, wearing a floral dress, driving in the direction of Nelson from Burnley.

“Furthermore, a number of witnesses on the street saw the incident and went to the assistance of the officer. If they have any more information, or know those involved, please contact police.”

Politicians have spoken of their outrage at the ‘disgusting incident’.

Pendle Council leader Cllr Mohammed Iqbal said: “This incident is completely deplorable.

“Police officers do a fantastic job and put their lives on the line to keep the public safe.

“This is the last thing they deserve and what happened to this officer is disgusting.

“I know the police officer was injured but he could quite easily have been killed.”

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson said: “This is a shocking incident which once again shows the very real danger our brave police officers face on a daily basis. I hope the driver is severely punished for this reckless and shocking act.”