Police car rammed in hit and run after stopping to help 'stranded' vehicle on M55
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The officer had pulled over after spotting a party of people next to a car who appeared in need of help on the hard shoulder.
Expecting to find the car broken down, the officer pulled up behind the vehicle to help. But before the officer had stepped out of his car, the driver reversed and rammed into the police car before speeding off the hard shoulder and onto the carriageway towards Preston.
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Hide AdLancashire Police said the officer was not injured in the hit and run.
The hasty driver, who appeared spooked at the arrival of police, left behind three male passengers who fled into fields next to the motorway.
But Lancashire Police's top dog, PD Kato, was soon called to the scene to help search for the men who were eager to avoid the police.
Kato's eagle-eyed handler soon spotted them making their way along the hard shoulder and the police dog was put into action.
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Hide AdThe police dog unit said a leashed Kato "barked his orders" at the men and all three quickly handed themselves in.
A spokesman for Lancashire Police Dog Unit said: "A colleague stopped on the hard shoulder of the M55 to assist an apparent broken down vehicle.
"The vehicle reverse rammed our colleague before driving off leaving three passengers to run off into the fields.
"PD Kato was being driven to work by his chauffeur so briefing was missed and it was an early start to assist in the search.
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Hide Ad"Kato’s eagle eyed chauffeur spotted the three males on the motorway and they were swiftly detained after hearing Kato barking his orders for them to stay where they were.
"Luckily on this occasion our colleague wasn’t injured."
Lancashire Police has been approached for further comment.