Police officer in hospital after being struck by a van in Blackley
Officers were called to Sandyhill Road at around 7:30am
A police officer is recovering in hospital after being struck by a van while he responded to an incident in Blackley.
Shortly after 7:30am on Thursday (18th October), police were called to reports of a disturbance at a property on Sandyhill Road in Blackley.
Officers immediately attended and saw a black Citroën Berlingo van drive towards Blackley New Road.
Police attempted to speak to the driver of the van before it collided with a police officer and several vehicles belonging to members of the public and police.
The van fled towards the Newton Heath area where it has since been recovered.
The 43-year-old police officer has been taken to hospital for treatment. There are no other reported injuries.
Blackley New Road is currently closed at the junction with Delaunays Road and enquiries are ongoing.
Superintendent Chris Hill, of GMP’s City of Manchester division, said: “The officer has been taken to hospital where thankfully he is in a stable condition and our thoughts are very much with him and his family as he receives treatment.
“We’re determined to find those responsible for this terrible incident and you will see an increased police presence in the area as officers are working at and around the scene.
“At this stage I would urge anyone that saw anyone acting suspiciously or a black Citroën van in the area around the time of the incident to get in touch as soon as possible.”
Chief Constable Ian Hopkins, added: “This is a shocking incident from the early hours of this morning that has left one of my officers in hospital.
“Officers put their lives on the line to protect people and property and the consequences of this incident could have been much more serious.
“I hope that any member of the local community that knows anything about this will help to ensure we can catch the offenders as soon as possible.”
Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 3610 or 101 quoting incident number 395 of 18/10/2018, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111