11:31AM, Sat Oct 6, 2012

Two Police Officers Injured As Stolen Car Smashes Into Patrol Vehicle

By Ruth Holliday Location: Holystone

Two police officers were injured and their patrol car badly smashed up when a stolen car drove into them as they responded to reports of a burglary.

It happened on Carlisle Way in Holystone, North Tyneside at 4.44am on Saturday, October 6.

As the officers drove into the street a Vauxhall Insignia trying to get away from the scene collided with them, leaving one of them with concussion and the other with whiplash.

Both were taken to North Tyneside Hospital for treatment and later discharged.

The car, which had been stolen in a burglary, also caused damage to a white tipper truck parked in the street.

After a search of the area the stolen vehicle was later found nearby.

Two men aged 40 and 56 were arrested on suspicion of burglary. Property was recovered which police suspect was stolen in the burglary. No one else was injured during the incident.

Chief Superintendent Steve Neill said: "Incidents of this nature which resulted in injury to two officers during the course of their duties are relatively unusual in our region.

"We have officers carrying out house to house enquiries in the area and extra uniform patrols are in the area to reassure residents."

Any witnesses, or anyone with information, is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101 ext 69191 or to ring the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.