Haslingden men arrested on suspicion of attempted murder (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Haslingden men arrested on suspicion of attempted murder

8:06am Monday 25th February 2013 in News By Peter Magill, Chief reporter

TWO men from East Lancashire have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a car was allegedly driven at police during a routine stop-check in Manchester.

Police have said that a red Hyundai was pulled over in Rochdale Road, Harpurhey, as it was suspected the vehicle was being driven too fast.

But as two police officers approached the Hyundai, around 10.50pm last night, the vehicle suddenly reversed.

The car struck both officers and then sped away, according to investigators from Greater Manchester Police.

A police spokesman said that one of the officers was able to use his radio to call for help and extra patrols were soon on the scene, alongside paramedics.

The officers were both rushed to hospital for treatment, with one having sustained a fractured skull and a bleed to the brain.

But police chiefs say that the injury, while serious, is not believed to be life-threatening.

His colleague suffered a broken wrist.

Joint inquiries by the Greater Manchester force and colleagues from Lancashire Constabulary later led to a warrant being carried out in at an undisclosed address in Haslingden.

The pair have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and a Hyundai has been seized for forensic checks.

Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan said: “Our thoughts are with both the officers and their families as they recover from their injuries.

“Sadly what this incident painfully highlights is the dangers officer face every day when protecting the public.”