GMP officers injured in hit and run

Two officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) are in hospital after being badly injured by a car they pulled over for speeding.

The officers got out of their vehicle and approached the car, believed to be a red Hyundai, on Rochdale Road, Harpurhey, at around 10.50 pm on Sunday, February 24, but were “deliberately driven at” and hit by the occupants, who then drove away from the scene.

One officer suffered a suspected fractured skull and a bleed to the brain and remains in a stable condition, while his colleague has a broken wrist and will need surgery.

Wayne Crompton, 36 of Kenmore Way, Whitefield, has been charged with two counts of dangerous driving and assault, as well as aggravated taking without consent, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance. Another 49-year-old man was released without charge.

Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan said: “Our thoughts are with both the officers and their families as they recover from their injuries.

“Sadly, what this incident painfully highlights is the dangers officers face every day when protecting the public. What should have been a routine vehicle stop resulted in two officers being deliberately driven at and suffering serious injuries.

“I know the friends and colleagues of both officers will be anxious to know how the two men are doing, as it is always very unsettling when friends and colleagues are injured in the line of duty, so we will be offering support to anyone who needs it.”

Ian Hanson, chairman of Greater Manchester Police Federation, described the incident as “a wicked and cowardly attack”.

“What this does is yet again highlight the realities of what policing is in the 21st century,” he said.
“I am sure every colleague and every decent thinking resident of Greater Manchester wish both officers a swift recovery.”