BRITISH POLICE OFFICER STRUCK BY STOLEN CAR

A policeman was seriously injured when he was hit by a stolen car following a high-speed chase. The blue Vauxhall Corsa hit the officer near Cockermouth in Cumbria at around 5.15 this morning.

Two youths, aged 14 and 17, were arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder, Cumbria Police said. The incident began at 4am when police received reports that a car had been stolen from a home in Carlisle.

The vehicle later left a petrol station in the Workington area without paying for fuel.

Police followed the Corsa after it was being driven erratically and at high speed on the A595. A stinger device was deployed at Fitz Cottage Roundabout near Cockermouth, and the stolen car hit the police officer and a police vehicle.

The officer was left with serious injuries and is being treated at the West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven. All roads leading on to the Fitz Cottage Roundabout have been closed to enable a thorough police investigation to take place. Deputy Chief Constable Christine Twigg said: "When an incident like this happens to an officer going about their normal duties, it has a major effect on family, colleagues and the wider community."

"As a Constabulary, we will do everything we can to provide support at this difficult time and, at the same time, bring the offenders to justice."