A heroin dealer from Thamesmead who drove his car at police officers in Kent has been jailed for more than three years.

Alex Ofori-Atta was in a Ford Fiesta when he was seen acting suspiciously in Chatham in March this year.

Officers approached the car as it was parked in Barnfield Road and instructed the 27-year-old to get out of the vehicle.

Ofori-Atta ignored the orders and reversed the car, crashing into one of the officers, before pulling away and fleeing the scene.

He only managed to drive a short distance though because the road had become a dead end.

Detective Constable Mark Donovan said: “This case highlights the real dangers officers face in tackling violent criminals who target our communities; many who travel into Medway towns from other areas.

“Ofori-Atta reversed his vehicle with little thought about the potential damage and dangers his actions could cause. He collided with a police officer, who only through her quick reactions managed to avoid serious harm.”

Ofori-Atta was later found hiding behind a parked van.

Police searched the Fiesta and found nine wraps of crack cocaine and heroin wrapped in clingfilm and hidden under the handbrake.

Another wrap of heroin was also found in the car along with a phone that suggesting he was involved with dealing class-a drugs.

Constable Donovan said: “Overall, this is another important success for our Operation Jupiter team, but I would also like to stress that it remains important that residents also continue to play their role in helping us keep communities safe, so please remember to always report any suspicious behaviour.”

Operation Jupiter is part of a strategy designed to emerging criminal gangs, whose members often travel into the county.

Appearing at Maidstone Crown Court Ofori-Atta, formerly of Miles Drive, Thamesmead, pleaded guilty to charges of possessing heroin and cocaine with intent to supply and assault.

On July 19 he was sentenced to three years and four months imprisonment.