Man arrested over attempted murder of police officer

A man has been arrested in connection with the attempted murder of a police officer using a stolen car.

The 32-year-old officer was targeted by a man driving a stolen Mercedes outside a petrol station on Stenhouse Road in Edinburgh on Tuesday evening.

The car had been taken from the Gorgie Road area earlier that evening while a 16-year-old boy was still inside.

He managed to escape before the crash at about 19:25 and a 27-year-old man was subsequently arrested and charged with offences including attempted murder, abduction and dangerous driving.

The police officer was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.

His condition is described as “serious but not life threatening”.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said he and his family were being supported.

Several other vehicles were damaged in the incident before the stolen car struck a lamppost.

The teenager was not hurt in the crash and managed to flee the car.

The driver also faces charges of theft of a vehicle and a number of other road traffic offences.

He is scheduled to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday.

Police have appealed for anyone who witnessed the crash to come forward.