A POLICE officer was injured after his car was rammed twice by the same person whilst on duty near Colchester.

Essex Police have issued a witness appeal following the crash which took place in School Road, Copford.

The traffic officer had pulled over the vehicle in question, a Ford Transit flatbed, at approximately 11.40pm on Wednesday night.

However, instead of speaking to the officer, the driver of the van reversed back into the police car twice, before driving away.

This took place whilst the officer was still in the car.

He was treated at the scene and then taken to hospital for minor injuries, and was discharged a few hours later.

Police conducted inquiries and have established that the van, which had a “Highways Maintenance” sign attached, had cloned registration plates on both ends.

The police have confirmed that whilst slightly shaken, the officer suffered no lasting damage and is still on active duty.

Investigating officer DC Danielle Markoutsis said: “It’s fortunate the officer was not seriously injured as this could have been much worse.

“I am keen to speak to any residents or businesses who have CCTV footage, or anyone who was in the area at the time and saw what happened or has any dash-cam footage."

The Essex Roads Policing team have thanked all those who helped with the investigation.

Posting on twitter on Thursday, they said: “Thanks to CID Colchester assisting Sergent Colin Shead and team with an investigation following the ramming of a roads policing vehicle by a transit van overnight during a routine stop.

“The officer sustained minor injuries, but he is recovering well.”

Anyone with information or dash-cam footage should Colchester CID on 101 quoting reference number 42/136631/18, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.