A police officer has been left unable to recognise his own wife after being left with devastating injuries in a hit and run.
Christopher Burnham, 48, suffered a fractured skull, a bleed on the brain, and a shattered knee after trying to stop a Mini on Holbrook in Coventry on Wednesday afternoon.
Pc Burnham, described as "very well-regarded" by colleagues faces a "long road to recovery", Chief Superintendent Mike O'Hara said.
Superintendent O'Hara added: "It’s too early to say whether he can return to service. He is receiving 24-hour-care and can’t eat or drink.
"His wife has been to see him but he doesn’t recognise her. He hasn’t been able to assist the investigation.
"Bobbies who were with him thought he would die at the scene."
West Midlands Police are hunting for the offender as forensic examination of the Mini, which was recovered nearby, takes place.
The neighbourhood policeman is the second officer from the force to be run over while on duty in just a matter of weeks.
Pc Gareth Phillips, 42, suffered life-changing injuries including a shattered pelvis after he was struck by a thief in a hi-jacked BMW in Birmingham last month.
Mubashar Hussain has since admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent to resist arrest after pinning the traffic officer under his own vehicle.
Elsewhere, a man stands accused of seriously injuring two police officers by driving a stolen Mercedes into them in Littlehampton, East Sussex.
Jack Robson, 20, allegedly drove the vehicle into Pc Lisa Holt and Pc Tim Bradbury while they were on duty. He has been remanded in custody.
Greater Manchester Police appealed on Thursday for witnesses after an officer's leg was crushed by a fleeing VW Golf during a reported attempted burglary.
Confirming that CCTV is being recovered, as detectives work to identify the suspect, Mr O'Hara, in charge of policing in Coventry, said: "Chris is a very well-regarded and proactive neighbourhood officer, who has a number of commendations.
"He was doing his job in keeping Coventry safe when he has been deliberately driven at by someone who then made off from the scene.
"I've spent time with Chris and his wife in hospital today and it's clear he now faces a long road to recovery.
"We will do everything possible to support him and his family through this really difficult time.
"I've also spent time with Chris' colleagues, and they have been left shocked and upset by what's happened.
"Our priority remains with the well-being of the officer, his family and his colleagues and we will stop at nothing to locate the offender and bring him to justice for this heinous crime."
The West Midlands police and crime commissioner David Jamieson said: "This incident is shocking, outrageous and truly devastating.
"My thoughts are with the officer, his family and friends at this time. We all wish him a speedy recovery.
"For one of our officers to be injured in the line of duty is completely unacceptable and I hope that the offender is swiftly found and bought to justice."
Anyone with information has been asked to contact police via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk, or via 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
