A police car has been left a potential write-off after being rammed seven times by a van early on New Year’s Day.

West Midlands Police tweeted a picture showing “what was left” of one its patrol cars after the “shocking” incident in Hummingbird Avenue, Canley, Coventry, at around 1.30am.

Officers were sent to the scene to deal with a fight at a house, reports of a motorist deliberately driving at people and claims that someone was armed with a knife.

An overnight response crew arrived within minutes but their car was rammed, triggering its airbags, by a Transit van before they could step out of the police vehicle.

A second police car was also reversed into by the van driver.

West Midlands Police said in a statement: “The driver tried making off but was cornered nearby and arrested.

“He’s been taken to hospital as it’s suspected he was under the influence of drugs and will later be brought to a police station for questioning.

“Three police officers – including two in this damaged patrol car – suffered neck and back injuries but thankfully were not seriously hurt.

“Our enquiries into the disorder continue.”