A POLICE officer based at Bexleyheath police station is recovering in hospital after being seriously injured in a hit-and-run incident.

He and a colleague had approached a parked car next to the Barge Pole pub in Harrow Manor Way, Thamesmead, just after 11pm on Friday when the car made off.

After the collision, the car did not stop at the scene.

The other officer was treated for shock, while the police sergeant, aged 43, was taken to hospital with a broken collar bone, dislocated shoulder and pelvis, and a punctured lung. Both officers are based at Bexleyheath.

The incident is now being investigated by Bexley CID, which has launched an urgent appeal for information about the car and its occupants.

Det Insp Kurt Conroy said: "We believe there were four people in the car, a silver grey Golf GTI. It drove off at speed and I am appealing for anyone who saw the car, either in the car park or speeding away; or anyone who might recognise the description of this car.

"At that time of night, 11pm, there would have been a significant number of people in the area, either leaving the pub next door or getting on or off buses at nearby stops."

If you have any information, ring 020 8284 9233, or to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.