Video Released Of Riot Cops Being Run Over

Dramatic CCTV footage of two police officers being knocked down by a car as they chased looters during last week's riots has been released.

The pair were hit by a green Citroen travelling at high speed in Waltham Forest, north east London - and one was struck so hard that his body armour came off.

Detectives investigating the attempted murder of the policemen said the footage has been released to encourage people to come forward and identify those responsible.

The officers were hit as they responded to reports of a group looting a clothing store at around 1am on August 8.

One of the policemen suffered knee and leg injuries and the other sustained shoulder injuries.

They were both taken to hospital and are recovering at home while they wait for further specialist treatment.

Police said the Citroen was driven at the constables in Royston Avenue as they tried to deal with reports of looting at the Aristocrats clothing store on Chingford Mount Road.

After the incident, the car - with the registration number Y132 GHJ - turned right on to Chingford Mount Road and right again on to New Road before it was lost.

Police said the unknown number of occupants have still not been identified and officers are trying to trace them.

Detective Inspector Cliff Haines said: "We are treating this as attempted murder.

"These individuals clearly had no regard for the safety of the officers or anyone else in their path.

"Judging from the footage and the speed at which this car is being driven, I can only assume that the intention was to cause serious harm and injury.

"It is only sheer luck the officers did not sustain more serious injuries."

He urged anyone with any information that could identify the people in the car to contact the Operation Withern incident room on 020 8345 4142 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 .

:: The total number of people charged in relation to disorder and looting in London now stands at 940, with a total of 1,635 arrests, the Metropolitan Police has said.

The new figures have been released as Scotland Yard said extra officers would continue to police the streets.