HUNT FOR THUG WHO USED AUDI ‘AS WEAPON’
SPORTS CAR AIMED AT DRIVER AND POLICE
POLICE are hunting a driver who used a stolen Audi “as a weapon” to attack another man and police officers on patrol.
The chaotic incident happened near student halls in Hulme in the early hours of Sunday and was partly captured by an onlooker.
A clip was posted on Twitter by @OllieDavos with the caption: “You see the maddest things outside Birley.”
It shows the black Audi TT deliberately ramming a white Renault Scenic at the junction of Stretford Road and Leaf Street, at around 12.25am on Sunday.
The Renault driver, a 45-year-old man, got out of the car but was chased by the Audi and a second offender on foot and knocked down.
Greater Manchester Police said he then ran down Leaf Street to get away but was again chased and hit by the car. The second offender then caught up with the victim and he was further assaulted in the street.
GMP said officers were on “general patrol” in the area and happened to see the victim running towards them – followed by the Audi.
The Audi then rammed into the police car in order to make off.
It has since been identified as stolen and using false number plates.
The victim was treated by paramedics but escaped with minor injuries, police said.
Det Con Stuart Macquiban, of GMP’s City of Manchester Team, said: “The driver of the Audi had complete disregard for anyone’s safety. I am only thankful no one was more injured in this incident. We are basically talking about a car that was used as a weapon, tonnes of metal careered towards the man, his car and then the officers in their patrol car.”
■ Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 4409, alternatively on 101 quoting reference number 58 of 10/02/19 or Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.