A SUSPECTED drink-driver ran over an off-duty police officer who had been trying to stop him in the early hours of this morning.

At 1am on Friday, January 12, the officer challenged a man who was driving a white Ford Transit and seemed drunk at the Shell garage, in Holmes Chapel Road.

The officer went to the driver’s side of the vehicle and tried to remove the keys from the ignition but the van sped off, running over his leg and dragging the officer along the floor for a short distance.

The van drove off in the direction of Middlewich town centre, leaving the officer with serious but not life-threatening injuries.

Police are now appealing for information following the incident, and have released a CCTV image of a person they wish to speak to.

Det Sgt Martin Caldwell said: “The officer who has been injured was trying to ensure that the roads we all drive on were safe.

“If anyone has seen the man picture in the CCTV image then please let us know.”

Anyone with information in relation to the incident should call Cheshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 29 of January 12, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.