A POLICE helicopter had to be called for backup after an officer was attacked following a vehicle stop.

Cheshire Police have arrested two suspected drug dealers following an incident in the Sandiway area of Northwich.

One man, 40 and from Wincham, was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and being involved in the supply of cannabis at around 3pm on Sunday (October 29).

The passenger, a 24-year-old from Kelsall, then assaulted one of the officers and tried to run off, prompting police to call in a helicopter for assistance.

He was soon found and arrested.

A Cheshire Police spokesperson said: “At around 3pm on Sunday, October 30, officers stopped a silver Vauxhall Tigra in the Sandiway area of Northwich.

“The driver of the car, a 40-year-old man from Wincham, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of drug driving and being involved in the supply of Class B drugs, cannabis.

“A passenger from the vehicle subsequently assaulted an officer and made off from the scene on foot.

“Additional officers were called, including the police helicopter, and following a search of the area a 24-year-old man from Kelsall was located and arrested on suspicion of assaulting an officer and being involved in the supply of Class B drugs, cannabis.

“Both men have since been released under investigation pending further enquiries.”