Police officer hurt

The officer, Sergeant David Tye who is based at Crowborough, tried to stop the car at about 10.30pm in Queen's Road, Crowborough, but was carried to the junction with Church Street before being thrown into the road after his left ankle fractured.

He had approached the car to make inquiries and put his arm inside the driver's open window to remove the keys, but it sped off at high speed.

Sergeant Tye, who has 15 years service as a police officer, was released from hospital yesterday morning. He also suffered cuts and abrasions to both legs, shoulder, hands and head in the incident.

Sussex Police said the car involved was a blue Peugeot 405 estate, registration G156 VKR, driven by a white male in his early 30s who had short, light coloured hair.

'We would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or knows the whereabouts of the Peugeot car, its owner or the driver,' said a spokesman.

Contact Det Sgt Dave Oakley on 0845 6070999.