Police officer injured in suspected hit-and-run emerges from coma

A police officer seriously injured in a suspected hit-and-run is out of a coma and breathing on his own, West Midlands Police said.

Pc Chris Burnham, 47, suffered a fractured skull and shattered knee after being struck by a Mini in the Holbrooks area of Coventry at around 2.45pm on September 25.

In an update from his force, where he has served for 25 years, the married father was said to no longer be in an induced coma and was breathing without the aid of a ventilator.

He remains seriously ill and is expected to be in hospital for some time, police said.

The officer’s wife, with whom he has a 10-year-old son, offered her thanks to the public for their support.

“My son and I and all our family would like to say a big thank you to everyone for their kind messages, love and ongoing support,” she said.

“It means so much at such a difficult time.

“We’re reading all the messages to him to spur him on in his recovery.”

Coventry Commander Chief Superintendent Mike O’Hara said: “This has been a hugely emotional and testing time for Chris, his family and his colleagues.

“We are in daily contact with Chris and Chris’ wife and will do all we can to support them through this long and difficult journey.

“Policing is like a close family and there has been a real impact on how officers and staff have felt over the last week.

“Policing remains a difficult and dangerous job, but the officers and staff working in Coventry and across the wider region are magnificent and remain committed to getting out on the streets to prevent crime, protect the public and help those in need.”

A Just Giving page set up by West Midlands Ambulance Paramedic Steven Hoskins to support the police officer’s family has so far raised more than £2,000.

Tekle Lennox, 37, of no fixed address, has been charged with attempted murder, driving whilst disqualified and driving without insurance in connection with the incident.

He is due to appear at Warwick Crown Court on October 31.