Man arrested in Sparkbrook for attempted murder of police officer

A West Midlands Police officer has been seriously injured by a violent car thief who tried to escape the scene of the crime by running over the officer this afternoon in Ladypool Road.

The traffic cop was in Moorcroft Road, Moseley, at 4.45pm having traced a suspected stolen Range Rover Sport taken just minutes earlier from a woman on a shopping trip.

The car thief was forced to halt the stolen Range Rover and confront the police officer who was attempting to arrest him.

But as the officer moved in to arrest the man he was violently assaulted and punched to the ground and then run over by the suspect as he jumped behind the wheel of the PC’s police patrol vehicle.

The man allegedly drove the marked police car for around a mile into Ladypool Road, Sparkbrook, where he abandoned the vehicle and tried to steal another car to make a getaway.

However, he was cornered by police back-up, including armed police, and tasered before being arrested.

The man, who so far has refused to provide any personal details, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Boycott, said:

“This is a shocking attack in which a member of our police family has been seriously hurt while trying to detain a crime suspect.

“I’m heading to the hospital now to get an update on his condition and offer whatever support I can to him and his family.

“Attacks on our officers and staff won’t be tolerated and we will always seek the toughest possible criminal justice outcome for offenders.”

A local resident who witnessed the arrest on Ladypool Road spoke to I Am Birmingham:

“Its a miracle no one was killed today on this busy road.

“This area is always busy, especially on Saturdays, and this is Eid weekend which makes it even more busy.

“There’s families shopping here, some with little children walking around with them. This lunatic drove through the streets without any regard for human life. None whatsoever. He had the look of a rabid animal.

“My heart goes out to the police officer and his family. I pray he makes a full recovery.

“It was deeply upsetting to see such chaos and danger on our streets this afternoon. These criminals are becoming downright brazen in their activities. They have zero value for human life.”

Local streets surrounding the scene of the crime were cordoned off as police conducted inquiries. A police helicopter was also circulating the area as the investigation progressed.

This is a breaking story and will be updated as more details emerge.

Anyone who has any information relating to this incident please contact West Midlands Police via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am to midnight, call 101 anytime or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.