Hunt for driver after police officer hit in Southampton

Police are hunting the occupants of a car which knocked over a police officer before speeding off, leaving him lying in the road.

The officer, who was wearing high visibility clothing, had beckoned the car to stop as it approached him in Park Walk, Southampton, at 0225 GMT.

The small hatchback did not stop and the officer was knocked onto the bonnet before falling off in New Road.

The car was later found abandoned near Charlotte Place roundabout.

Hampshire Police believe there were four people in the car and have appealed to anyone who knows who they are to contact them.

Officers would also like to hear from anyone who might have seen the occupants leave the vehicle when it was abandoned.

The officer suffered only minor injuries.