Ashford man charged with attempted murder of police officer

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A suspect has been charged with the attempted murder of a police officer following a collision in Ashford. The incident took place at 3.16pm on Friday 26 January 2024 in Coulter Road, near the junction with Hedgers Way. The constable, who was on foot at the time, was involved in a collision with a car that allegedly failed to stop at the scene.

He sustained serious injuries and was taken to a local hospital, from where he has since been discharged to continue his recovery at home.

A man was arrested in connection with the incident on Wednesday 31 January.

Suspect charged

On Saturday 3 February, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised a charge of attempted murder against a 23-year-old man from Ashford. He has also been charged with causing serious injury by driving a vehicle dangerously and assaulting an emergency worker on Friday 2 February.

The man appeared before Maidstone Crown Court on Saturday 3 February and is remanded to a hearing at Canterbury Crown Court on Tuesday 6 February.

Four other people, two men aged 19 and 37, and two women 19 and 32 were also arrested in connection with the incident. They are all from the local area and have been bailed pending further enquiries. A sixth person, a 19-year-old man from Ashford, was arrested on Friday 2 February and remains in police custody.

Officers from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate carried out checks in Coulter Road on Friday 2 February, speaking to drivers and pedestrians to see if they could help the ongoing investigation.

Appeal for information

Investigators are continuing to appeal for witnesses and are urging drivers with dashcam to contact Kent Police if they were travelling on Coulter Road, Long Length, Tally Ho Road and Hornash Lane between 3pm and 3:30pm on Friday 26 January.

Anyone with information should call 01843 222289 quoting reference 46/14411/24, or visit the appeal page on the police website.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form on their website.