Key facts
- Six teenage boys, aged 13 to 17, have been arrested.
- A police officer was injured by a stolen car in Sunderland.
- The incident occurred while officers were investigating a suspected burglary.
- The injured officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries and has been discharged from hospital.
Six teenage boys have been arrested following an incident in Sunderland where a police officer was hit by a stolen car. The event unfolded on Wednesday morning after Northumbria Police received a report of a suspected burglary in the Burdon area at 6:45 am. It was reported that a car had been stolen and driven into the Durham force's area.
The vehicle was spotted parked on Cooperative Terrace in Sunderland shortly after 8:30 am. When a Durham Constabulary officer approached the car on foot to secure it, the vehicle drove away, colliding with another parked car and injuring the officer.
The injured officer was taken to hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening. He has since been discharged. The six arrested boys, aged between 13 and 17, remain in police custody.
Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Fenney of Northumbria Police extended thoughts to the injured officer and thanked colleagues for their assistance. She stated the investigation is in its early stages but confirmed six suspects are in custody. She also asked the public not to speculate and to report any information, including footage, to the police.
Assistant Chief Constable Richie Allen of Durham Constabulary also conveyed well wishes to the officer, confirming his discharge from hospital.