A police officer was left injured after being dragged 40 yards along a Telford road as he desperately clung to the door of a vehicle he had tried to stop.The sergeant, who has not been named, was hurt after being thrown from the silver Vauxhall Vectra as it drove round the Ketley Brook roundabout early yesterday.

The car was later found after crashing into a wall at takeaway Ketley Cod in Station Road. The drama began at about 1.30am after an allegation of assault was made in Pussycats Nightclub in Wellington.

Chris Ammonds, Telford police spokesman, said: “The vehicle mounted a pavement on Tan Bank and crashed into a wall before next being spotted by officers speeding down Wrekin Road.

“The vehicle was then followed into Holyhead Road, before travelling down the old A5 past the Bucks Head, jumping several red lights in the process.

“While still being followed, the vehicle then activated a speed camera at Bennetts Bank before pulling over.

“At this point a police officer from Telford approached the vehicle and attempted to reach in and remove the keys from the ignition.

“As he did this, the vehicle accelerated away, dragging the officer with it.”

Mr Ammonds said the officer had held onto the car door to avoid being pulled underneath the vehicle.

A 30-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident yesterday and is currently in custody.

Detective Sergeant Billy Scott said: “The lives of many members of the public were put at risk during this incident.”

The officer is currently recovering at home having suffered injuries ranging from a twisted right knee to various cuts and bruises.