Declan McLaren charged with attempted murder of two officers in Larkhall

A man has appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court charged with attempting to kill two police officers by driving a van at them in Larkhall on 25 July.

Larkhall van attack: man faces attempted murder charges after officers seriously injured

Google News UK — Crime (en) reports that Declan McLaren, 32, of Larkhall, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court charged with the attempted murder of two police officers in South Lanarkshire.

McLaren is alleged to have driven a white Renault Trafic van at the two officers while they were conducting routine inquiries on Glen Avenue, Larkhall, on 25 July, leaving both men seriously injured. He was arrested on Tuesday after a vehicle was stopped on the M74.

McLaren made no plea to two counts of attempted murder, three road traffic offences including dangerous driving, and attempting to pervert the course of justice. He was remanded in custody and is due to appear again within eight days.

Sharon Pollock, 59, also appeared in court in connection with McLaren's arrest. She made no plea to a charge of driving without a licence and perverting the course of justice, and was granted bail while the case was committed for further examination.

The two male officers, aged 41 and 43, were taken to hospital following the incident. Both have since been discharged, though they remain unfit for duty.

Detective Inspector Alister Thom said: "This act of violence left two officers, who were simply carrying out their duties, seriously injured. While they have since been discharged from hospital, they will remain unfit for duty for a prolonged period, and our thoughts continue to be with them at this time."

Thom added that more than 100 properties across Lanarkshire and the Scottish Borders had been searched during the investigation.

Source: Google News UK — Crime (en)