Two police officers were deliberately driven at by a white Renault Traffic van in Larkhall, South Lanarkshire, on Saturday, July 25. The incident occurred around 2pm on Glen Avenue as the officers were carrying out enquiries at a property. The driver then fled the scene.
Attack details
Both officers, aged 41 and 43, were taken to hospital. The 41-year-old has since been released, while the 43-year-old remains in a stable condition. No other injuries were reported. The van was later recovered in Kirkstyle Place, Glassford. The incident is being treated as attempted murder.
Detective Inspector Gary Smillie said: "This was a deliberate and despicable attack on two officers who were simply carrying out their duties. Extensive enquiries are ongoing and I am appealing for anyone who was in the area around the time and witnessed the incident to contact us. I would also appeal to anyone in the area who may have dash cam footage or private CCTV which could assist to get in touch. Any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could assist with the investigation."
Suspect description
The suspect is described as a white male, 6ft tall, wearing dark shorts, a grey jumper and a beige baseball cap.
Chief Inspector Paul Doyle added: "Violence is not part of the job for police officers – it is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. I would like to reassure the community that we are working to trace the person responsible and will continue to carry out enquiries in the local area. We are speaking to members of the public and there will be additional patrols in the area, and would encourage anyone with any information or concerns to speak to officers. Our thoughts are with the officers, their families and colleagues at this time. We will continue to offer them all the necessary support."
Rising assaults on police
The attack comes amid a worrying trend of assaults on police officers. Figures released under Freedom of Information showed that police assaults in Scotland reached a ten-year high in 2024, up 30 percent compared to 2015. In March, Jamie Docherty was jailed for five years after attacking PC Rebecca Martin-Palmer outside Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, including stamping on her head. In the same month, Lewis Mackie was sentenced to three years and nine months for hitting an officer with a stolen car in Edinburgh in December 2024.
Anyone with information should contact 101 quoting reference 1652 of 25 July, 2026, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
