UPDATE: First aider describes ‘organised chaos’ after policeman hit by car in Horsham

Qualified first aider Mark Northcott was first on the scene, seconds after the incident in Swan Walk Car Park in Horsham town centre on Saturday (March 21).

He said: “I was with my wife and we were coming across from London Road to go into the town.

“The first thing I saw was a member of the public crash to the floor and obviously there was a car involved, but I wasn’t that interested in the car, I was more interested in the person and seeing if they were ok.

“I legged it across to the person on the ground and administered first aid. I was with him for possibly 45 minutes.”

Horsham man Mark, 55, who volunteers with British Red Cross, said he did not know the injured man was a plain-clothed police officer at the time of the incident.

He said: “He was knocked out for about four or five seconds. When he started to come around I asked him a few questions like his name and date of birth.

“He had black eyes and was in a lot of shock. If you are knocked over by a car and bang your head you don’t feel very well.

“It was organised chaos. Everybody did what they were meant to do - the police shut the road, the ambulance service turned up and did what they had to do.”

Sussex Police said the 59-year-old officer is recovering at home after receiving hospital treatment for cuts and bruises.

The Vauxhall Corsa involved was found abandoned in the Bishopric, Horsham, and enquiries into the collision are continuing.

The policeman approached the Vauxhall at around 12.15pm to speak to the driver.

A Sussex Police spokesperson said: “It drove away and he was knocked to the ground.”

He was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to East Surrey Hospital.

Police are appealing for witnesses. Anyone with information can email [email protected] or phone 101, quoting Operation Bramshaw.

Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.