A TRAFFIC policeman who tried to flag down a motorist could have been seriously injured after the vehicle was driven straight at him.

The officer suffered a back injury as he jumped out of the way of the speeding Vauxhall Cavalier.

The incident happened at 7.20pm on Tuesday, September 19 on the A533 Bridgewater Expressway near to the junction with Heath Road.

Det Sgt Jo Miller of Halton CID, said: "The officer was taken to hospital and later released. This was a very serious incident and because of his quick actions, the officer escaped more severe injuries."

The officer was carrying out routine speed checks on the road and had signalled for the driver of a white Vauxhall Cavalier, registration number E981 ANB, to stop.

But the driver ignored the request and proceeded, at speed, straight towards the officer.

The car then turned off the expressway and onto Heath Road where it collided with an LDV Luton van.

Three men were seen running away from the Cavalier.

Sgt Miller said: "The driver of the van was not hurt in the incident. We are anxious trace the owner of the Cavalier and anyone who may have been in the area at the time - either on the expressway or in Heath Road - and may have witnessed what happened."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Det Con Tim Holden or Det Con Peter Minghella on 01244-613733.