A POLICEMAN is lucky to be alive after being carried 20 metres by a stolen vehicle on the A31 last Thursday. After escaping with only cuts and bruises, police are urgently seeking the two occupants of the Vauxhall Astra, releasing dramatic video footage of the incident. During busy rush-hour traffic, police were called to a minor road collision on the Farnham bypass close to the Shepherd and Flock roundabout. On arrival, the ambulance crew reported that they had been followed by a car being driven in an "impatient" manner. A police officer then signalled to the grey Vauxhall Astra five-door hatchback with the registration number L635 SAE, to stop. The Astra did not stop, choosing to drive at the police officer who became caught on the vehicle and carried 20 metres before being thrown off onto the road. The officer received lacerations to the head together with other bruises and grazes, and was taken to the Royal Surrey County Hospital where he was treated for his injuries. He has been discharged but is now on sick leave. Enquiries have revealed that the car was stolen from Crowthorne railway station some time on October 4. It was occupied by two white men in their early 20s, one wearing a baseball cap. The incident was caught on camera by a stationary police patrol vehicle. Footage shows the policeman - in a high visibility jacket - attempting to slow the vehicle. But order quickly became chaos, as the officer is dragged along by the car. Shocked colleagues watched in disbelief as the officer was carried on the side of the vehicle, before officers and paramedics gave chase. Surrey Police is appealing for the public's help to trace this vehicle. If it is seen in use, the emergency 999 system should be used. If the car is found abandoned, call Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222. Police officers would also like to hear from any witnesses to the incident in which the officer could easily have been killed, or anyone who saw the vehicle or occupants earlier in the day. Anyone with information can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if they don't want to leave their name. To see the footage, visit http://www.surrey.police.co.uk">www.surrey.police.co.uk.
