Police officer Chris Burnham out of induced coma after 'hit-and-run'

A police officer who was seriously injured in a suspected hit-and-run has come out of a coma and is breathing on his own.

PC Chris Burnham, 47, was struck by a Mini in Coventry last month and suffered a fractured skull and shattered knee.

The married father remains seriously ill and is expected to be in hospital for some time while he recovers, but is said to no longer be in an induced coma, an update from West Midlands police said.

He is also breathing without the aid of a ventilator.

The officer's wife, with who he has a 10-year-old son, offered her thanks to the public for their support.

She said: "My son and I and all our family would like to say a big thank-you to everyone for their kind messages, love and ongoing support.

"It means so much at such a difficult time. We're reading all the messages to him to spur him on in his recovery."

His colleague, Coventry Commander Superintendent Mike O'Hara, added: "This has been a hugely emotional and testing time for Chris, his family and his colleagues.

"We are in daily contact with Chris and Chris's wife and will do all we can to support them through this long and difficult journey.

"Policing is like a close family and there has been a real impact on how officers and staff have felt over the last week."

A 37-year-old man named Tekle Lennox has been charged with attempted murder, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance in connection with the incident.

He is due to appear at Warwick Crown Court on 31 October.

A Just Giving page was set up to help support the police officer's family, which has so far raised more than £2,000.