A police officer was "pulled along a road" in Basildon as a driver attempted to flee the scene after being stopped by the Roads Policing Unit.

Essex Police say that officers from the Roads Policing Unit were conducting road safety patrols across the county on Monday.

Shortly before 8pm, they received information that an uninsured car was on the move in the Basildon area.

The officers directed the Ford Focus to stop in The Nave, which Essex Police say it did.

Police then searched the car and found a quantity of cannabis and around £3,000 cash alongside a hammer.

Patrols - A quantity of cannabis, around £3,000 cash, and a hammer were found in the carPatrols - A quantity of cannabis, around £3,000 cash, and a hammer were found in the car (Image: Essex Police)

Whilst officers were talking to the driver, an officer leaned into the car to handcuff the man.

But at the same time, the driver started the car and drove off across the road with the officer half in the car, at risk of being dragged along.

Thankfully the officer was unhurt but is being supported.

An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, possession of drugs with intent to supply and possession of an offensive weapon.

He currently remains in police custody.

Head of Essex Police's Roads Policing Unit, Mr Adam Pipe, said “Thankfully, my officer was uninjured, and he is being supported by colleagues and managers.

“No one comes to work to be assaulted or injured whilst they carry out their lawful duties, protecting our communities from harm.

“The Roads Policing Unit officers deal with a wide variety of offences, not just upholding road laws, because we know that there is a wider criminal use of our roads.

“Those who use vehicles to transport drugs across the county will be identified and will be arrested.”

Roads Policing Unit officers work as part of the Safer Essex Roads Partnership to reduce traffic-related incidents across the county.