Detectives are desperate to find out who left a volunteer police officer with a fractured skull – 24 hours after a Dagenham man admitted assaulting a constable during the same incident.

The missing man fled the car being driven by Dean Faith Bill Lee, 28, of The Chase, and pushed to the ground a police community support officer (PCSO) who is still in hospital.

Supt Cheryl Burden said: “This serves to highlight the dangers officers and PCSOs face every time they put on the uniform.

“They put themselves in harm’s way to protect the communities we serve.

“He is in good spirits in hospital and I wish him a full and speedy recovery.”

Lee yesterday admitted Sunday’s assault on the more senior officer, and was handed a £675 bill by magistrates.

Now the hunt has steered towards his passenger.

Two Pcs and the PCSO began pursuing Lee’s Vauxhall Astra in an unmarked police car after it overtook them in Brentwood Road, Romford, at about 8pm – the night before Bank Holiday Monday.

The officers blocked the road in an attempt to stop the car after it used a roundabout to double back on itself.

But the Astra, being driven by Lee, sped off to The Oak pub car park, where it was finally cornered by police.

Lee got out of the car and pushed the Pc over before running off along the adjacent South Street.

He was stopped by a member of public outside the Brickyard pub before police caught up and arrested him.

Meanwhile the 42-year-old PCSO tried to speak to the car’s passenger but was pushed to the floor, hitting his head on the ground, fracturing his skull and losing consciousness.

He remains in hospital. Police said his condition was not life-threatening.

Lee will pay a £400 fine, £150 in compensation, a £40 victim surcharge and £85 costs to the CPS.

Police described the second man as white and in his mid-20s, 5ft 7in tall and of medium build. He had dark hair and stubble and was wearing a light blue polo shirt and beige shorts.

They urged anyone with information to call 101 and ask for Havering CID.

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