Horrifying footage shows an armed police officer clinging onto a car for dear life after it smashed into him. 

The incident happened after three armed police who were investigating a shooting stopped Aydin Altun, 26, who was driving a Mercedes.

But Altun tried to speed away from PC Lewis Crowder who had his semi-automatic rifle raised and was shouting: “armed police, show me your hands.”

CCTV and body-worn video footage showed Altun then drove forward at speed, throwing PC Crowder onto the bonnet.

The officer was left clinging onto it as the car accelerated towards White Hart Lane Station in Tottenham before flying onto the pavement a few seconds later.

Previous story: Jail for man who deliberately mowed down firearms officer

PC Crowder later said he thought he was going to die as he literally clung on for dear life.

Not long after, the car was found abandoned around half a mile away.
The officer lapsed in and out of consciousness and received major grazing and cuts to his head, elbow, knuckles and hand and was taken to hospital but later discharged, police said.

The Met’s Specialist Crime Command were investigating a reported shooting in Haringey last year, after an empty car was found riddled with bullet holes.

Enfield Independent:

Aydin Altun (left) crashing into the armed officer (right). Photos: SWNS/Met Police

Witnesses reported seeing a black Mercedes leaving the scene and the next day on October 29, a similar car was spotted three miles away in White Hart Lane.

A manhunt was launched for Altun and he handed himself in to police the next day.

At the Old Bailey Altun, of Suffolk Road in Tottenham, was convicted of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent and jailed for 11 years and nine months.

He was also disqualified from driving for 12 years and 10 months.

Enfield Independent:

Video grab of the moment Altun's car smashes into PC Crowder. Photos: Met Police/SWNS

In court, PC Crowder described his fear that he would be killed as he hung onto the speeding car. He told the hearing: “I remember being scared for my life, I thought I was going to die. I remember thinking if this car was going to crash, I was going to die.”

Four men, two aged 17, one 18 and another 19-year-old, were also arrested the same day after Altun on suspicion of assisting an offender.

All were taken to north London police stations and questioned but were released with no further action, Scotland Yard said.

Enfield Independent:

PC Crowder thrown off the bonnet of the car. Photos: Met Police/SWNS

Louisa Rolfe, assistant commissioner of Met Operations, said: “I’m pleased that the dangerous individual who drove at an officer and put his life in danger has been sentenced to 11 years and nine months.

“I also welcome the news that he has been further disqualified from driving and will not be back on our roads anytime soon.

“Thankfully such incidents are rare, but being an officer in London can be tough and officers can face danger every day.

Enfield Independent:

PC Crowder received major grazing and cuts to his body. Photos: Met Police/SWNS

"However, this does not stop the amazing, dedicated and professional men and women putting on their uniforms, going out there on the streets of London and continuing our mission of keeping everyone safe.

“We do not tolerate any violence towards our officers and we relentlessly pursue anyone assaulting our officers to bring them to justice.

“Such incidents and convictions strengthen our resolve to root out and bear down on violent crime in all its forms and make us more determined to protect our public.”