THREE police officers were assaulted during a late night incident in Thurrock yesterday (Saturday, 18 July) in a dramatic, dangerous but successful operation to apprehend a criminal.

Police officers have described the incident - saying it was not like a TV show or move - but a dangerous moment when officers but themselves in harm's way.

An officer said: "most definitely nothing to the likes of what is displayed on TV, or in the movies many people fantasise about."

It happened at around 11.50pm in Purfleet where a vehicle failed to stop for police in the area of Dolphin Way and Stonehouse Lane and a pursuit was authorised.

An official police statement says: "The vehicle was brought to a stop in nearby Centurian Way and a man was detained.

"A 41 year-old man from Aveley has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker and failing to stop while directed. He is currently in custody."

Local police took to social media to give full details of the incident, saying:"PCs Strong and Stocker from B shift CPT have been working together, organising and running Operation Lemon.

"The operation primarily utilises the use of ANPR cameras, targeting criminals using Thurrock's road network to commit crime.

"During the late hours of yesterday evening, PCs Strong and Shelley sighted a vehicle suspected to be involved in an attempted business burglary whereby it was believed weapons were present.

"Upon requesting the vehicle to stop, it failed to do so, and subsequently a pursuit occurred.

"Unfortunately, this pursuit had no happy ending, there were no heroics, and most definitely nothing to the likes of what is displayed on TV, or in the movies many people fantasise about.

"It was the exact opposite, and showed the dangers our officers selflessly face every single day, putting themselves in harm's way, to keep the residents of Thurrock safe.

"The vehicle in question, subsequently rammed a vehicle from the dog section, putting these officers' safety at risk.

"When the driver attempted to make off, officers attempted to detain him.

"And in the meantime, the driver has punched three officers to the face, one suffering ABH injuries.

"It took multiple taser discharges, and unarmed tactics to detain the male, before he was arrested, and now awaits interview in custody.

"Had taser officers not been present, the outcome would have been far different, and on this occasion, officer were saved from what easily could have been far worse injuries. Their could have been a totally different outcome.

"The passenger of the vehicle also attempted to aid the driver's escape, trying to pull officers off of the driver.

"The passenger is also in custody, and awaits interview for obstructing a constable in the lawful execution of his/her duty.

"Officers do not go to work to get assaulted, where they then have to go home to their families with visible injuries on display.

"Luckily on this occasion, no serious injuries occurred. All officers will be returning to work, going about their normal duties."