Traffic Cops: Derbyshire police reveal how quadbike, hammer and fire extinguisher were thrown at them during Peak District chase

Derbyshire police officers described the moment a quadbike was thrown at them as they pursued a vehicle when Traffic Cops returned to our screens last night.
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A pursuing officer was also pelted with a lump hammer and a fire extinguisher during the frightening incident.

Pc Karl Jackson was filmed chasing a transit van in the Peak District when the occupants threw the missiles out of the vehicle’s rear doors.

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PC Jackson told the show: “With criminals nowadays there is far more desperation to get away than there ever was.”

Derbyshire police in action on Traffic Cops.Derbyshire police in action on Traffic Cops.
Derbyshire police in action on Traffic Cops.

He said that as he ascended a hill he could see people moving around in the back of the van.

"I’ve had things thrown at me before, but never a whole quadbike,” Pc Jackson said.

The criminals then threw a hammer which smashed into the windscreen of Pc Jackson’s police car leaving him covered in shattered glass.

Derbyshire police say incidents can turn dangerous 'in the blink of an eye'.Derbyshire police say incidents can turn dangerous 'in the blink of an eye'.
Derbyshire police say incidents can turn dangerous 'in the blink of an eye'.
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"I had glass in my face and my mouth and cutting into my fingers,” he said. “I could have died. At 80mph a lump hammer into your face, that’s going to kill you.”

Derbyshire Constabulary said it highlighted the ‘unexpected dangers’ roads police officers face in their daily duties.

"Thankfully no injuries to officers or the public, but these incidents show how important it is to catch criminals like these and get them off our roads before they harm someone,” the force tweeted.

Traffic Cops gives an insight into the working lives of police patrolling roads across the UK, and returned to Channel 5 last night.

Traffic Cops gives an insight into the dangers of policing our roads.Traffic Cops gives an insight into the dangers of policing our roads.
Traffic Cops gives an insight into the dangers of policing our roads.
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Last night’s first episode also saw officers dealing with a car travelling at 165mph on the M1.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.