Police today renewed their appeal for help in tracing a man and woman involved in a motorway attack on two police officers near Stansted Airport, which is being treated as attempted murder.

The officers, a 38-year-old woman, from the Braintree area, and a 53-year-old man, of Harlow, were both based at Newport road policing unit.

Last Wednesday, they were carrying out roadside checks on a beige Mercedes car they had stopped for speeding on the M11, near the Stansted Airport junction, when it was revealed the male driver was disqualified from driving.

He then attacked the pair and sped off, with the male officer still attached to the car. After about half-a-mile, the officer managed to free himself and rolled into the fast lane, where other motorists formed a protective barrier around him with their cars so he could reach safety.

An Essex Police spokesman said the officer could have been killed but escaped with a broken nose and bruising. His female colleague suffered multiples cuts and bruising.

Both were discharged from hospital after treatment. The male officer today spoke of his ordeal from his home.

He said: "The memories of last Wednesday still haunt me and will do so for a considerable time to come."

He also thanked the public for their many messages of support.

The Mercedes was found abandoned at a pub in North Weald. Police said they suspected the man and woman had stolen a red Vauxhall Astra, registration D504 OHJ, from nearby, which they also want to trace.

The male driver was white, in his late 20s, had short, dark-brown hair and tattoos on his arms. His female passenger was in her early 20s and slim.

His identity is known to police, who urged him to contact them or give himself up to any police station, with a lawyer if he wishes.

Witnesses or anyone with information should contact Det Con Rob Dix, of Braintree police, on 01376 551312

Published Wednesday October 16, 2002

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