A leading trade unionist suffered serious injuries when he was thrown from a car bonnet during a protest.

George Tapp, 64, from Salford , remains in Manchester Royal Infirmary with a broken leg and head injuries.

Mr Tapp was one of dozens of workers from the Unite union protesting outside a construction site near Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium over the alleged blacklisting of workers.

Police say CCTV shows campaigners blocking Ashton Old Road before men climbed on the bonnet of a blue Ford Ka.

The driver then drove forward before stopping – throwing the protesters from the car – before reversing and driving away.

Eyewitness and fellow protester Mike Tomlinson claimed the driver had carried Mr Tapp for 30 yards before dumping him into the road.

He said: “I didn’t see what had led to it but I turned around because I could hear revving and what smelled like a burning clutch. Then I saw that George and someone else were on the bonnet and the car’s driven about 30 yards before breaking and that’s when George fell off.

“It’s disgusting. He’s a 64-year-old man and he’s in a bad way now and the fact the driver has left him in the road is appalling.”

Two other campaigners also suffered minor injuries in the incident, which took place at around 6pm on?Wednesday.

The driver is described as a large man aged in his 30s with dark hair. A woman passenger was also in the car. Police are investigating and say charges could be brought against protesters who acted unlawfully.

Chief Supt Russ Jackson said: “From what we can see from CCTV, protesters were blocking Ashton New Road, preventing motorists from going any further. A number of people stood in front of the Ford Ka and climbed upon the bonnet before it moved forward. The car then travelled a short distance at a slow speed before it stopped and one of the men fell off. The car reversed and drove off.

“We are working to ascertain whether any criminal offence has occurred and I would ask the driver of the car or anyone who witnessed the incident to contact police.

“While we respect the democratic right of anyone holding a peaceful protest, if we believe individuals have behaved in an unlawful manner, we will take action.”

A Unite spokesman said: “Unite is currently seeking clarity about the events so we can support our member. Our thoughts are with him and his family.”

Anyone with information can call police on 0161 856 3981/3832 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.