Police officers injured after car fails to stop in Essex

Two police officers have been injured after a car failed to stop in Essex.

They managed to stop a driver they'd been chasing on the A12 in Witham this afternoon.

Intelligence suggested the vehicle was of interest as part of an ongoing investigation into threats to kill and firearm and weapons offences.

The vehicle was travelling on a road near to Woodham Mortimer, close to Maldon shortly after 1.40pm this afternoon, Monday 10 April.

When a request was made for it to stop, the vehicle, an Audi A3, did not.

A police vehicle then followed the Audi, which was being driven erratically through Ulting and Hatfield Peverel.

The vehicle then joined the northbound A12 and the subsequently exited the road at Witham.

The police vehicle continued to follow safely.

When it was safe to do so and there as no risk to the public, a police vehicle positioned itself in front of the Audi and the pursuit came to an end.

As officers attempted to arrest the man, two sustained injuries. Both officers are being treated by medics.

A man's been arrested by police after also receiving treatment from medics.

Essex Police statement

Detective Chief Inspector Rob Huddleston from Essex Police said:

“This incident has played out very publicly and we appreciate there will have been a number of people who witnessed part of it, whether that be in Ulting, Hatfield Peverel, along the A12 and in Witham.

“At all stages of this operation, the safety of everyone – be that the suspect, our officers and the public – was paramount.

“When it was safe to do so, our specialist officers engaged, and the incident came to a conclusion and an arrest was made. This again shows the danger police officers face day in, day out as they carry out their duties.

“The thoughts of everyone at Essex Police are with the officers involved and they will receive all the support the require in the coming days, weeks and months.”

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