TWO men have been charged with drugs and assault offences after a police officer was reportedly nearly run over by a car in Colchester.

An Essex Police officer from the Local Policing Team stopped a vehicle in Greenstead yesterday while on a patrol of the estate. 

As they tried to stop the car, however, a man exited the vehicle, which left the scene, before a chase ensued between the two. 

A short while later, the officer is said to have been nearly struck by a vehicle which continued to drive off. 

Another local policing unit found the vehicle being driven nearby and managed to safely bring it to a stop.

A 49-year-old man from Colchester has been charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine, being concerned in the supply of heroin and failing to stop for police.

They have also been charged with dangerous driving, driving without third party insurance and assaulting an emergency worker.

A 19-year-old man from Witham has been charged with possession of cannabis, being concerned in the supply of heroin and being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine.

Both men are due to appear at court.