A POLICE officer was allegedly assaulted while trying to arrest a suspect near to where wrapped children's presents were found following a burglary.

The incident unfolded at 12.40am on Thursday, June 3 after two masked men were seen getting out of a Vauxhall Astra.

Police headed to Rosemary Drive in Newton-le-Willows after being called out.

As police attempted to arrest one of the suspects, an officer was allegedly attacked.

He suffered injuries to his head and arm.

Police say a 27-year-old man from the Worsley, Greater Manchester was arrested on suspicion of going equipped for theft, assaulting an emergency worker and theft from a motor vehicle.

Items including what appear to be wrapped gifts for a child were found in a bush in a nearby garden.

Police add that power tools were also found at the scene and have since been returned to their owner.

The Astra was also seized.

The 27-year-old who was arrested has been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Police shared an image of what they recovered

Police shared an image of what they recovered

Meanwhile, in a separate incident, also in the early hours, police arrested four men on suspicion of burglary and theft of a motor vehicle.

Officers spotted a Ford C-Max at 3.10am.

The car had earlier been seen travelling at high speed along Merton Bank Road and Park Road, Merton Bank.

The C-Max was later found parked close to an address on Crow Lane West in Newton-le-Willows.

Officers entered a house and arrested four men – a 38-year-old man, a 34-year-old man and a 39-year-old man from St Helens and a 28-year-old man from Newton-le-Willows.

The C-Max had been stolen during a burglary in St Helens and has been recovered by officers.

Four men were taken into custody and the investigation continues.