Constable injured in hit-and-run

Pc Haddock remains in hospital in a serious condition

An attempted murder inquiry has begun after a police officer was knocked over by a van moments after getting out of his vehicle to speak to the driver.

Pc Robin Haddock was taken to hospital with serious head injuries after being injured in Sneyd Lane, Bloxwich, West Midlands, at about 0340 GMT.

The van was stopped by the 49-year-old and a colleague, who was uninjured, when it went through a red light.

Detectives are looking for the white van which was driven off afterwards.

"The white van reversed, hitting the police car, during which the officer sustained serious head injuries," said Ch Supt Jo Byrne, from West Midlands Police.

'Working extremely hard'

The father-of-four from Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, remains in hospital in a serious condition.

He was described as "a popular, highly respected and well-regarded officer".

Witnesses are asked to contact police

He had been due to attend a ceremony on Tuesday night to receive an award after going to the aid of two colleagues who had been sprayed with petrol and set on fire.

Ch Supt Byrne said Pc Haddock's family were at his bedside.

She added: "Our thoughts and our prayers are with them all at the moment.

"The officers here are distressed but are working extremely hard on this investigation."