POLICE have charged two men in connection with an incident in which two Burnley officers were struck by a stolen car.

David Mountain of 24, and Ashley Jones, 22, both of Bradford, have both been charged with burglary and aggravated taking of a vehicle.

Jones has also charged with driving.

A major investigation was launched by police after Sgt Shaun Pearson and PC Barry James, both from Accrington, were injured when a Ford Focus ST was allegedly driven at them on Long Causeway, Cliviger.

The incident followed reports of a break-in at a home in Aspen Drive at 1.30am on Friday and the taking of a red Audi A3 and a white Ford Focus ST from the address.

Another two men, aged 27 and 30, also from Bradford, were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and conspiracy to commit burglary, and were given police bail.

The man leading the inquiry, Det Supt Kevin Toole, of the Force Major Investigation Team, said: “Both the officers injured during the incident are recovering wellr.

“We are still treating this case as a potential attempted murder.

"These officers were on duty going about their business of protecting the people of Lancashire and for them to be injured in this way will not be tolerated.

"I would appeal for anyone who has seen these three vehicles, or a combination of them, in the Burnley or Cliviger areas to come forward and speak to us.

"It may be that other properties were also targeted and I would also like to hear from anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously near their home last night or early this morning to come forward.”

Call 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.