Police arrest a man on suspicion of attempted murder after two police officers were driven into at speed while chasing looters in Essex last Monday.

The 31 year-old suspect handed himself in at an east London police station following the release of CCTV footage earlier.

The footage shows two officers being hit by a green Citroen in Waltham Forest after they were called out to deal with looting at the “Aristocrats” clothing store.

One officer suffered knee and leg injuries and the other sustained shoulder injuries. They were both taken to hospital and are recovering at home while they wait for further specialist treatment.

Moments later, officers are seen running from right to left across the screen. A car is then seen to drive at the officers. One of the injured officers is seen lying in the road and the second collapsed beside a pillar.

After the incident, which occurred at about 1am on the morning of Monday 8 August, the car – registration number Y132 GHJ – turned right on to Chingford Mount Road and right again onto New Road before it was lost.

DI Cliff Haines from Operation Withern, which is investigating last week’s riots, said: “We are treating this as attempted murder. These individuals clearly had no regard for the safety of the officers or anyone else in their path. Judging from the footage and the speed at which this car is being driven I can only assume that the intention to cause serious harm and injury.

“It is only sheer luck the officers did not sustain more serious injuries.

“The support we have received from the public in response to the disorder has been overwhelming, and I would therefore like to take this opportunity to appeal to anyone who knows the identity of these individuals to come forward.”

Anyone with information has been asked to contact the Operation Withern incident room on 020 8345 4142 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

