A man has been charged in connection with attempted murder after two police officers were seriously injured in an alleged hit-and-run in Larkhall.
The incident took place on Glen Avenue in the South Lanarkshire town around 2pm on Saturday, July 25. Emergency crews rushed to the scene after police received a report of two uniformed officers having been knocked down.
The force confirmed that the pair had been carrying out enquiries at a property in the area before a white Renault Traffic was allegedly "deliberately driven at them". Both male officers, aged 41 and 43, were blue-lighted to hospital to be treated for serious injuries.
Arrest and Charges
Detectives investigating the incident have now arrested and charged a 32-year-old man in connection with attempted murder. Officers made the arrest on Tuesday, August 25, after stopping a vehicle on the M74 at junction 8 southbound around 8.40pm.
Police also arrested and charged a 59-year-old woman in connection with attempting to pervert the course of justice. Both are due to appear before Hamilton Sheriff Court on Wednesday, August 26.
This comes after Jemma McQuade was arrested on Friday, August 14. The 34-year-old from Larkhall appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Monday, August 17, where she was charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice.
Investigation and Aftermath
She made no plea and was committed for further examination. Ms McQuade has been granted bail, and it is still to be confirmed when she is due to appear at court again.
Images previously taken from the scene showed the injured officers lying on the tarmac after allegedly being rammed. In one photo, one officer appears to be lying motionless on his side with a member of the public attending to him, while his colleague tries to recover on his hands and knees.
A massive police and ambulance presence later descended on the area. Both officers, who have since been discharged but will remain unfit for duty for a prolonged period, were seen being attended to by members of the force and paramedics.
As part of the investigation, more than 80 properties were searched throughout Lanarkshire and the Scottish Borders. Police also trawled through a significant amount of CCTV footage and made extensive door-to-door enquiries, which allowed the force to track a man's movements since the date of the incident and later recovered the van in Kirkstyle Place, Glassford.
Detective Inspector Alister Thom said: "This act of violence left two officers, who were simply carrying out their duties, seriously injured.
"While they have since been discharged from hospital, they will remain unfit for duty for a prolonged period, and our thoughts continue to be with them at this time.
"An extensive investigation has been ongoing with detectives searching more than 100 properties throughout Lanarkshire and the Scottish Borders. We’ve also reviewed a significant amount of CCTV footage as well as carrying out door-to-door enquiries.
"We’d like to thank members of the public for the information and support they provided during our investigation."
