Investigation after car driven towards police officers in Formby near Southport

Police are investigating following reports a car was driven towards police officers following an attempted stop check in the Formby area.

At around 4.20pm on Tuesday (26th July) two officers were on patrol in a marked police car in the Monks Drive area following public concerns over drug dealing in the area.

A BMW car was seen to make off from the officers but was located on nearby Abbots Close. The officers attempted to speak to the driver who then began to reverse away. The vehicle then drove forwards and mounted the kerb forcing the officers to jump out of the way to avoid being hit.

The BMW was then in collision with the door of the police car and a concrete fence post. Two male occupants of the car then made off on foot in the direction of Alt Road.

A search of the vehicle was carried out and a large quantity of cannabis was located and seized.

An investigation is underway and CCTV and witness enquiries have been carried out in the local area.

Assistant Chief Constable Paul White said: “Incidents such as this demonstrate the vigilance of our officers in spotting and reacting to people acting suspiciously, even when in a moving vehicle.

“Sadly it also demonstrates the dangers that officers face. They put themselves in harm’s way every day to protect the public and bring those who cause harm in our communities to justice.

“Thankfully neither officer was hurt but the reckless actions of the driver in the case could clearly have had more serious consequences.

“We continue to respond to community information around drug dealing and other criminality and we would encourage anyone with information about this incident or any incidents in their local community to come forward and tell us what they know.”

Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or call @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 22000538575.