Pc injured chasing suspects

A policeman was hit by a car as he tried to catch two suspected thieves outside a supermarket in the Black Country.

Pc Chris Hearn suffered severe bruising on his arms, legs and back in the incident which happened outside Aldi supermarket in Moxley on Saturday.

He had been called to the store following reports there were two men wanted for previous thefts.

Inspector Steve Grange, of Bloxwich police, said the two men had got into a car which was then driven at the officer "at high speed".

Police appeal

"Chris showed great courage in going off in pursuit of two men," said Inspector Grange.

"They drove straight at him at high speed and left him lying in the road while they made their escape."

Inspector Grange said nothing was found to be missing at the store on Saturday but the two remained suspects for the other offences.

It was not known whether it was done deliberately, he added.

Both men are aged between 19 and 30 and were wearing baseball caps.

One of them was of mixed race, 6 ft tall and slim, and the other wore a white jacket.

West Midlands Police are appealing for witnesses.