Driver flees after flipping car in Blackpool crash before attacking police officer on Boxing Day

Officers were flagged down by a member of the public after a car overturned on St Leonard’s Road at around 7.35pm yesterday.

The driver had fled the scene of the collision, but a man was later arrested on suspicion of motoring offences.

A police officer was assaulted as they attempted to arrest the suspect.

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James Dutton, 44, of Palatine Road, Blackpool, was later charged with a number of offences. These included:

• Assault by beating of an emergency worker.
• Theft of a motor vehicle.
• Driving without a licence or insurance.
• Failing to stop after a road accident.
• Obstructing/ resisting a constable in the execution of their duty.

He was bailed to appear at Lancaster Magistrates’ Court on March 28, 2025.

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If you have any concerns about crime in your area, call 101 or report it online at https://doitonline.lancashire.police.uk/.

Independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Always call 999 in an emergency.