A POLICE officer who was thrown onto the bonnet of a moving car after confronting a dangerous driver has been nominated for an award.

Inspector Ed Turner, from Durham Police, was off duty when he was hit by the vehicle near Northallerton in January 2016.

Insp Turner had created a roadblock to shield the victim of a car crash but the motorist ignored this and continued to drive towards the officer. Despite Inspector Turner identifying himself and signalling for the car to stop, the driver accelerated, flinging the policeman over the bonnet.

While the vehicle was still moving, Insp Turner rolled and positioned himself alongside the driver’s side, shouting at the driver to stop. The man still refused, so Insp Turner reached inside to grab his hand from the steering wheel. When that failed, he grabbed hold of the seatbelt to stop the driver, who continued onto a grassed area, forcing Insp Turner to let go and injuring his hand. If he had not let go, he would have been dragged along by the vehicle, risking significant injury.

In recognition of his daring actions, Insp Turner has been nominated for a Police Bravery Award, which are organised the Police Federation of England and Wales. The nomination follows a Chief Constable’s Commendation for the same incident last year.

Andy Jackson, chair of Durham Police Federation, said: “The bravery and professionalism shown by Insp Turner went above and beyond the normal call of duty. He showed exceptional bravery, putting his own life at risk to stop a dangerous driver and ensuring that no one else was hurt.”

Stephen Mann,chief executive of Police Mutual, awards sponsor, said: “To all of you who have been nominated, be proud of yourselves and your achievements. When it mattered most, you stepped up. You proved that your commitment to keeping the public safe did not waver, even when tested in the most trying of circumstances.”

Next month, Insp Turner will take over from Inspector Kevin Tuck as neighbourhood inspector for Teesdale. His most recent post in his 24-year career was as an inspector for the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit.

The awards ceremony takes place in London next month.