Police Officer Injured and damaged cars as Driver Flees via Oakham High Street pavement

Police Officer Injured and damaged cars as Driver Flees via Oakham High Street pavement.

Damaged Car Oakham (Photograph from a reader)

A routine parking intervention turned into a scene of "pure chaos" Monday afternoon when an illegally parked driver mounted the pavement and struck a police officer to evade questioning.

The incident occurred at approximately 3:10 PM on January 26, in Oakham’s High Street. the vehicle a a grey Honda CRV illegally parked, sped away from the scene, leaving a trail of damaged cars and a massive police manhunt in its wake.

Two officers on foot patrol approached a vehicle parked illegally on the High Street. When they attempted to engage with the driver, the situation escalated instantly. After refusing to engage with police, the car was driven towards the officers, causing one officer to mount the bonnet of the car.

The driver didn’t stop there. In a bid to escape, the vehicle struck two stationary cars before mounting the pavement and speeding away through the town centre.

Locals reported seeing the police helicopter circling and drone overhead while a police dog was deployed on the ground to track the suspect's scent.

The car involved in the incident was found abandoned a few hours later in Harrington Way. It has since been recovered by police later that afternoon, the driver remains at large.

Remarkably, the officer involved escaped serious harm. He sustained minor cuts and grazes during the collision and did not require hospital treatment.

Enquiries are currently ongoing to identify and locate the driver. Leicestershire Police are urging anyone who was in the High Street area at the time or who may have dashcam footage of the incident to come forward. 

Detective Inspector Jim Willoughby said: “We are urgently trying to find the man responsible for this incident. Luckily the officer was not seriously injured, but this doesn’t take away from the fact that he was driven at and hit by a car in order for the man to evade police.

“We have already recovered CCTV from the area and carried out a number of house-to-house enquiries but our investigation continues and we want to hear from anyone who can provide any information. Were you in the area of High Street around the time of the incident or in Harrington Way and saw the driver running from the car?

“Any details you can provide might help in finding the person responsible.”

Incident Number: 369

Date: January 26

Contact: Call 101 or report online via the Leicestershire Police website.

Rutland Residents Urged to Shield Vehicles as Organised Theft Gangs Target Region

Rutland Residents Urged to Shield Vehicles as Organised Theft Gangs Target Region

Police have issued a high-alert warning to Rutland residents following a surge in sophisticated vehicle thefts across the county and neighbouring Leicestershire. While Rutland remains one of the safest areas in the region, PC Melissa of the local neighbourhood team warned that organised crime groups are increasingly targeting high-value and rural vehicles under the cover of darkness.

The warning comes as thieves shift from simple "smash and grab" tactics to more technical methods. Recent intelligence suggests that organized groups are using electronic key-reading devices to bypass security systems. By standing near a home’s front door or window, criminals can "bridge" the signal from a key fob inside the house to the car on the driveway—allowing them to drive away quietly in seconds without ever needing the physical key.

Police have identified specific trends and models that are currently being "singled out" by criminal networks, Land Rover Defenders are being specifically targeted in rural districts including nearby Melton and Market Harborough. There has been a notable rise in the theft of Toyota models; owners are urged to implement enhanced security immediately. Beyond high-tech heists, thieves are still active in residential areas, simply "trying door handles" to find unlocked cars.

Given Rutland's easy road links which provide quick escape routes for thieves PC Melissa is encouraging residents to adopt a "layered" security approach. Store car keys in a Faraday pouch or a metal tin. This prevents thieves from scanning the signal from outside your home. Use a "old-fashioned" steering lock, wheel clamp, or pedal lock. Even if a thief bypasses the electronics, these physical barriers often force them to move on. Park in well-lit areas or a locked garage. If you have a video doorbell or CCTV, ensure it has a clear, unobstructed view of your driveway. Install a GPS tracker to increase the chances of recovery if the vehicle is stolen.

The community is being asked to play an active role in deterring these gangs. "Stay vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour immediately," PC Melissa urged.

If you see someone acting suspiciously around vehicles or scouting driveways late at night, call 101. If you believe a crime is currently in progress, always dial 999.

Police Issue Urgent Safety Warning Following Reports of Youths Climbing Roofs in Oakham

Police Issue Urgent Safety Warning Following Reports of Youths Climbing Roofs in Oakham

Police in Oakham have issued a stern warning to parents and young people after a spike in reports of individuals climbing onto the roofs of buildings across the town.

PCSO Lauren, representing the local neighbourhood policing team, described the trend as "extremely dangerous," warning that what might be perceived as a dare or a bit of fun could easily lead to a life-altering tragedy.

Authorities are concerned that young people are underestimating the structural risks involved in "roof topping." Buildings in the town centre and residential areas are not designed to bear weight on specific sections, leading to several immediate dangers, many roofing materials can become brittle or slippery, especially during the winter months, a fall from even a single-story height can result in permanent injury or death. Costly repairs to tiles and guttering often fall on local businesses or homeowners. Responding to roof-related incidents often requires the attendance of both the Fire and Rescue Service and the Ambulance Service, pulling them away from other life-threatening calls.

The police are urging parents and carers to hold frank conversations with their children.

"Parents and carers: please take time to speak with your children about the dangers and reinforce why this behaviour is not safe," said PCSO Lauren. "Young people: if you see this post, please think carefully before taking risks your safety is important."

Members of the public are being asked to remain vigilant. If you spot anyone on a roof or believe a young person is putting themselves at risk, police advise against approaching them yourself.

In an Emergency: Dial 999 immediately if there is a risk to life or safety.

Non-Emergency: Information regarding recurring hotspots can be reported via 101 or the Leicestershire Police website.

Man in His 20s Left Fighting for Life After A6003 Crash; Teenager Arrested

Man in His 20s Left Fighting for Life After A6003 Crash; Teenager Arrested

Rutland Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious late-night collision on the A6003 that has left a young man in a critical condition in hospital.

The incident, which involved a silver Mercedes, occurred on the stretch of road between Uppingham and Corby, near the junction with Stoke Road in Lyddington.

Emergency services were alerted just after 11.30pm on Sunday 18 January after a member of the public discovered the vehicle in a ditch. While the exact timing of the crash remains under investigation, the silver Mercedes is believed to have left the road and sustained significant damage.

Officers from Leicestershire Police attended the scene alongside crews from the East Midlands Ambulance Service and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service.

The front-seat passenger, a man in his 20s, sustained life-threatening injuries. He was rushed to hospital, where medical staff confirm he remains in a serious condition.

The driver, a 19-year-old man, was treated for minor injuries and has since been discharged from the hospital. Following his release from medical care, he was arrested on suspicion of: Causing serious injury by dangerous driving, Driving while above the legal alcohol limit

The teenager has since been released under investigation as police continue their enquiries.

Police Appeal for Dashcam Footage

The investigation is now focused on forensic examination of the scene and the vehicle. Police Constable David Handisides, from the force’s Roads Policing Unit, urged anyone who was in the area last Sunday to come forward.

"A man remains in hospital in a serious condition," PC Handisides said. "We are continuing to work to establish exactly how the collision has happened and are appealing to anyone who may have information to please make contact."

"Please think back to if you were in the area last Sunday evening. Did you see the vehicle or witness the incident? Or do you have any dashcam footage from the area which could assist our enquiries?"

If you saw the silver Mercedes or have any information that could assist the investigation, you are urged to contact the police immediately.

Call 101 * Reference: Quote incident 26*34184