PROSECUTORS have spoken out about a "terrifying attack" that nearly killed a police officer as the drug dealer responsible was today sent to prison.

Video footage shown at the trial of Zeng Xing Yu at the High Court Paisley captured the moment he drove his car at PC Neil Kerr. 

During the incident at Devonshire Gardens Lanes on July 21 last year, Yu had been boxed in by police. 

He accelerated and drove at PC Kerr standing in front of the car.

The officer, 27, was carried on the bonnet and thrown in the air, narrowly avoiding being crushed as Yu collided with another vehicle.

Plain clothed police had been in the lane after receiving intelligence about a possible drugs transaction in the area.

Yu, 49, was found guilty of the attempted murder, resisting and obstructing officers, and the supply of cannabis after a trial.

His co-accused, Wang Wen, 31, pleaded guilty mid-trial to being involved in the supply of cannabis.

At the High Court in Paisley today they were both sentenced. 

Yu was jailed for a total of 13 years and Wen for 4 years 2 months.

David Green, Procurator Fiscal for Homicide and Major Crime, said: "Zeng Xing Yu carried out a terrifying attack that threatened the life of a police officer who was simply doing his job.

"Assaults on police officers are taken extremely seriously and prosecutors will always take action to protect their safety.

"We work closely with Police Scotland to ensure the effective investigation and prosecution of these offences."