Boy, 14, in stolen car runs down Met officers

He drove a stolen car at the men at high speed after being challenged by the officers, who were hunting a gang brandishing guns in Battersea.

One of the marksmen was flung over the bonnet of the Honda Civic and the other was caught beneath the wheels and dragged along the road for several feet. Both suffered bruising and cuts and are recovering after being released from hospital.

The driver and his 15- year- old passenger tried to escape by racing off but their car crashed into a second armed police response vehicle which had been called to the scene.

Three officers in that vehicle were hurt in the collision. The 15-year-old was also arrested for attempted murder.

Scotland Yard said the trouble began at about 1am when police received reports that a gang had been seen with firearms outside Badric Court, off York Road.

Armed police were dispatched to the scene and began a search.

As the two officers, both in their thirties, approached the black Civic in a car park in York Road the driver revved the engine and drove at them at speed.

Sources said both men managed to partly jump out of the way and it was lucky that neither was not more seriously hurt or even killed. The Honda sped off down Yelverton Road into Gwynne Road, where it collided with the second response car.

The youths were arrested and taken to separate police stations in south London. The car was taken away for forensic examination.

One resident of Badric Court, whose flat overlooks the scene, said: "I looked out of the window at 1.30am and the place was full of police.

"There were about eight police cars and two or three ambulances and they had sealed the whole street off. I couldn't see anybody injured."

Another resident, Mohammed Ashfaq, 50, said: "I saw a wrecked car at the end of the road. The front right side of the car was all smashed in. It looked like it had been in a pretty big crash." Met Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur said: "The role performed by our armed officers is vital in protecting the public and their colleagues from armed criminals. This incident shows the danger that all our officers can face as they carry out their duties protecting Londoners."

Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.