'Robocop' Critically Ill After Hit-And-Run

A Nottinghamshire police officer nicknamed Robocop because of his prolific arrest rate is in hospital after being critically injured by a hit-and-run driver while riding his bicycle.

PC Diederik Coetzee, who won a formal citation in 2005 for making 309 arrests in a single year, was in a stable condition in King's Mill Hospital following the collision in Blidworth, near Mansfield.

The South African-born officer was off duty when he was hit from behind on Blidworth Lane on Friday night.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Ged Hazelwood said: "Blidworth Lane is a poorly illuminated through-way but the collision happened during rush hour, when many people were headed home from work.

"PC Coetzee was wearing a high-visibility vest and had his bike lights turned on.

"Did you see what happened? Have you seen a grey car with damage to its front-end? Anyone with any information should contact us."

Nottinghamshire Police did not say if they believed the collision was deliberate.

PC Coetzee was a bomb disposal expert and dog handler in Johannesburg before he moved to Britain.

He was formally praised for making the record number of arrests while patrolling Mansfield's Ladywood estate on a mountain bike.

But weeks later he was ordered to stay away from a street near a youth centre amid complaints that people were put off attending as they feared arrest.

Witnesses or anyone with information about the outstanding vehicle are being urged to contact the Crash Investigation team on 101 extension 800 2225 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.