Officers Seriously Hurt In Attempted Murder

24 October 2016, 14:14 | Updated: 24 October 2016, 17:14

Two police officers are in a serious condition after being deliberately hit by a car.

The attack is being treated as attempted murder after the officers were struck by the car as they responded to a call in Glasgow.

They were called out to Banner Drive, Knightswood, at around 11.15pm on Sunday and had stopped a car to speak to the occupants.

The car then deliberately reversed and struck both officers.

Emergency services were called to the scene and the officers were taken to hospital.

Police Scotland said the 30-year-old policewoman is in intensive car while her 31-year-old male colleague also remains in hospital.

Detective Inspector Ian Hylands said: "Two police officers, in responding to an incident to help protect the public, have been badly injured. Help us find those responsible.

"Our inquiries so far have revealed that a blue Nissan Qashqai was seen at the location around the time of the incident.

"A vehicle matching that description has been found badly damaged by fire in Lennox Gardens, Scotstoun.

"However we have yet to confirm if that is the same vehicle. Despite the damage, forensic officers will carry out a comprehensive examination of the car.

"Everything that can be done to locate the suspects is being done, but I would like to appeal to anyone who may have seen the incident last night or who has any knowledge of the vehicle or the suspects to contact us.''

Police have taped off the only entrance to Banner Drive, with officers standing at the end of the street while the scene was investigated on Monday afternoon.

A police car with damage to the driver side was loaded on to a recovery vehicle and removed from the scene at about 3pm.

Brian Docherty, Scottish Police Federation chairman, said: ''Our colleagues were simply doing their damnedest to keep the public safe and faced an unconscionable attack on their lives as a consequence.

''This is a despicable and cowardly act and there can be no doubt that those who drove a vehicle at police officers did so with the intention of taking their lives.

''Police officers put themselves in harm's way so others don't have to but we should never come to accept that violence is an occupational hazard.''

He claimed Police Scotland did not inform the federation of the incident until almost 12 hours later and said he plans to question why a media appeal was not released more quickly.

He said the federation is supporting the injured officers, their families and colleagues.

Police can be contacted on 101.