Three men charged in connection with Simonstone police incident

PC Sally Biggar, who covers the villages of Read, Simonstone and Sabden suffered a whiplash injury when her patrol car was hit by a suspected stolen car during a stop-and-search in Simonstone.

The dramatic incident occurred in front of startled onlookers and motorists making their way home at 4-50pm on Friday.

A spokesman for Eastern Division Police said: “Three men travelling in a car in Whins Lane were stopped and questioned by police on suspicion of aggravated vehicle-taking. During the course of this, the car collided with a patrol car causing whiplash type injuries to the officer.”

Three men have been charged with a variety of offences. They are due to appear before Blackburn magistrates on Monday.

Craig Oldfield (42) of Como Avenue, Burnley, has been charged with going equipped, dangerous driving and criminal damage.

John Beveridge (35) of Hall Road, Colne, has been charged with going equipped, and James Martin (30) of Bedford Place, Padiham, has been charged with going equipped.