Police officer injured after car he was pursuing was driven into him near Hackney Downs

Photograph: © Ray Forster (Creative Commons)

A Hackney-based police officer was injured when a car was driven at him following a pursuit over the weekend, Scotland Yard has revealed.

Officers in a marked police van attempted to stop a car in the vicinity of Sandringham Road, near Hackney Downs, shortly after 9pm on Sunday.

The vehicle, a white Toyota Prius, failed to stop for police and drove off.

Officers pursued the car and a short while later it came to a stop in Pembury Road – but as an officer exited the police van, the car drove towards him and hit him.

In its statement the Metropolitan Police said: “The male officer, aged in his 30s and based in Hackney, sustained injuries to his legs and torso.

“He was taken by ambulance to hospital. He was discharged from hospital the following day.

“The Toyota failed to stop following the collision. The car was recovered a short time later. However enquiries continue to trace the driver, who was the only occupant of the vehicle.

“Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Hackney police via 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”