A POLICEMAN was taken to hospital after his car was rammed TWICE and wrecked after stopping a vehicle for a routine check.

The stolen LandRover Discovery with a tow bar on the back wrecked PC Gordon Dickinson's traffic car, an 8 Series Rover.

PC Dickinson, 39, who is stationed at Accrington, escaped serious injury in the crash in Cross Street North, Haslingden, in the early hours of today.

The officer, who lives in Blackburn, suffered a knee injury, cuts to his head and whiplash and was discharged after hospital treatment.

The green Discovery was later found abandoned and the driver escaped despite an extensive search involving the police helicopter and dog handlers.

The Discovery had been stolen from Burnley Road, Accrington. PC Dickinson stopped the Discovery for a routine check at Rising Bridge roundabout at 1.40am. As he got out of his car to speak to the driver the vehicle suddenly reversed at speed into the police car before speeding away in the direction of Manchester.

The police car was damaged but still driveable and the officer chased the fleeing vehicle which turned off the A56 and into a side street close to Carrs industrial estate.

As PC Dickinson turned a corner he was confronted by the Discovery reversing at high speed towards him. He was able to stop but had no time to reverse.

Inspector David Lea of Rossendale police, said: "The level of violence offered towards the officer on a routine stop and check of the vehicle causes serious concern.

The LandRover was found abandoned at the start of the M66 at Edenfield underneath the motorway bridge.

Police are anxious to trace the occupants of a gold B-registered Volkswagen Santana car travelling in convoy with the LandRover.

Inspector Lea said: "They are witnesses to the incident and I would appeal for them to come forward."

Anyone with information should contact Accrington police, 01254 382141, or Rossendale police, 01706 215242.

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