A POLICE officer told how he had the shock of his life when he pulled over a speeding driver...only to find he was rushing his expectant wife to hospital.

PC Alun Causaker was driving along Nethermayne, Basildon, in an unmarked police vehicle when a car shot past him in the inside lane.

He quickly turned on his blue lights and attempted to stop the car at about 11.30pm on Saturday - thinking he was going to have to call for backup.

The driver hesitated before pulling over on the kerb and running out of his car in a panic.

He rushed over to Mr Causaker, explaining that his wife was in labour.

Mr Causaker told the Echo: “I was on a traffic operation targeting dangerous drivers and boy racers on Nethermayne.

“I was in an unmarked police car when all of a sudden, I saw this car come from Roundacre.

“It undertook then overtook me.

“It obviously drew attention to itself, particularly considering we were doing a traffic operation.

“We tried to pull it over and it didn’t stop for minute.

“I thought the driver was going to carry on going and we were going to have to have a chase.

“After a moment, it pulled over and the driver ran over to me. He was a bit pale and he said ‘I’m really sorry but my wife is in labour.’”

Mr Causaker admitted he initially thought the driver was making an elaborate excuse, but soon realised a baby was on its way.

He said: “I thought it was a cop-out at first but I soon realised he was telling the truth.

“It was pretty obvious that she was in labour.”

Mr Causaker sprung into action, acting as an escort to help the expectant couple get to Basildon Hospital in double-quick time.

Putting on his sirens, the officer drove in front of the car to ensure a speedy arrival.

He said: “I wanted to get them there as soon as possible.

“My instincts just kicked in. I think I just said ‘come on then, lets go.’

“It’s certainly one of the more interesting shifts I have been on.”