The trial of a motorist accused of running down a policewoman as she tried to arrest him has collapsed after the jury failed to come to a decision.

Nine men and three women on the panel remained split on whether Tyssen Newland, 23, from east London, had intentionally run down Det Con Kerry Tolliday causing her grievous bodily harm.

They were given extra time on three occasions by the trial judge but were discharged when they still could not agree after more than seven hours of deliberations.

Noel Casey, prosecuting, said he would now have to consider whether to ask for a retrial.

Newland has already pleaded guilty to recklessly causing Ms Tolliday's injuries, dangerous driving, and actual bodily harm to another officer, Det Con Wayne Hallett.

Both were in the Farringdon Car Park in Elmer Avenue, Southend, as they tried to arrest Newland on June 16 last year.

He accelerated his car at them, however, dragging Mr Hallett across the carpark until he let go, and pinning Ms Tolliday to his bonnet.

When she fell off she was knocked unconscious and later treated for a head wound requiring 16 stitches - an injury which ended her career.

The case will next be heard on September 20 at Chelmsford Crown Court when the prosecution will announce whether they want to apply for a re-trial.