Man arrested after police officer was dragged along by a vehicle

A man has been arrested after a police officer was dragged along by a vehicle in Cheltenham yesterday afternoon (Tuesday 22 October).

Officers who were on patrol spotted what they believed was a suspected drink driver returning to a vehicle parked on St James Square at around 3pm.

A police constable stopped the man and asked him to get into the back of a police car in order to request a specimen of breath.

The man got back into his car and as the officer was trying to detain him, he started to drive away.

The officer was dragged along with the car causing him minor injuries.

The man then drove away before crashing his car into parked vehicles and an electricity pylon on a nearby street.

He was followed after running away from the car and tasered by officers.

An 18-year-old man from Buckinghamshire was subsequently arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer, dangerous driving and driving while under the influence of drink/drugs.

He remains in police custody at this time for questioning.

A number of road closures were put into place and have since been lifted.

Anyone who was in the area at the time and saw what happened or has mobile phone, CCTV or dashcam footage is asked to get in touch.

Information can be submitted by completing the following online form and quoting incident 295 of 22 October: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/