A spokesperson for Sussex Police has confirmed that a man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after two Sussex Police Officers, and another man, were struck by a moving vehicle.
The incident happened at Littlehampton in the early hours of this morning and is being investigated by the police as a deliberate act.
The officers were carrying out a routine drugs check at the side of the road when a Mercedes-Benz saloon approached at speed and collided with the officers and the man they were with.
All three were transported to hospital by South East Coast Ambulance Service to be treated for their serious injuries.
The driver of the Mercedes-Benz, aged 20, ran off but was stopped and arrested by officers on suspicion of attempted murder.
Two passengers remain outstanding.
Assistant Chief Constable Julia Chapman said:
“This is being investigated as a deliberate attack on two police officers in the course of carrying out their duties.
“Their injuries, and that of the man they were with, whilst serious, are not believed to be life threatening.
“Two passengers in the car remain outstanding and we urge the public to help us trace and bring to justice all of those involved.”
The incident occurred at the Bodyshop roundabout on the A259 at Littlehampton at approximately 1.05am.
The two local response officers, a man and woman, were carrying out a routine drugs check on a car and had detained one man on suspicion of drugs offences at the side of the road when the second car approached.
Two men, passengers in the Mercedez, ran off.
The area was searched but the police have confirmed that they have not yet been found.
The road was closed for the scene to be secured and examined.
Anyone who saw what happened or who has any other information is asked to contact the police online or by calling 101, quoting Operation Oxbridge.
An officer who attended the incident said:
“A difficult incident for us to respond to this morning but despite this, all Emergency Services dealt with the incident professionally.
“My thoughts are with my injured colleagues.
“If anyone has any information, please call Sussex Police on 101 quoting Operation Oxbridge”.
My thoughts are with the two Police Officers and the civilian injured after being hit by a car, I wish them all a speedy recovery. My thoughts also are with the families and Colleagues and friends of all involved.
Officers DO NOT put on a uniform to be assaulted, abused in any way shape or form and I hope the person responsible is given a long sentence which should act as a deterrent to others