Detectives are appealing for information after an officer was hit and seriously injured by a car that failed to stop.

Metropolitan Police have confirmed that the officer, aged in his 30s, was struck by a grey Mini Cooper on Chigwell Hill, Woodford Green at 12.10am today (Monday, January 6).

The incident happened after Met Police indicated for the vehicle to stop but failed to do so and a pursuit was authorised.

Officers positioned themselves on Chigwell Road, Woodford Green, near Gaynes Hill Road and the M11 overpass, to wait for the car.

As the vehicle approached, one officer attempted to deploy a Stop Stick (stinger) when he was struck by the car, which quickly fled the scene.

Fast-paced enquiries found the suspect vehicle with false ‘67’ year plates abandoned in Woolhampton Way, Chigwell at about 12:45am.

Epping Forest Guardian:

Met Police located the grey Mini Cooper with fake '67' plates in Chigwell shortly after the officer was struck

The London Ambulance Service attended the scene where the victim was taken to hospital.

He remains in a serious but stable condition. His injuries are not life-threatening and is being supported by specialist officers.

An investigation is being led by detectives from the Met’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit.

Detectives have released an image of the suspect vehicle and are appealing for information of its movements before and after the incident.

Detective Sergeant Jose-Paulo Qureshi said: “The officer was simply doing his duty when he was struck by the vehicle and was seriously injured – he’s lucky not to have been killed.

“The suspects fled the scene, despite knowing they had hit an officer, leaving him seriously injured in the road.

"We are working around the clock to find the people responsible. I would appeal to those who were involved to do the right thing and hand yourself in.

“I’d also appeal to members of the public to help us with our investigation. If you have any information about this vehicle, or dash cam footage, please get in touch with us as a matter of urgency.”

No arrests have been made. Enquiries continue.

Anyone with information or dash cam footage is asked to call the Incident Room on 020 8597 4874, police on 101 quoting CAD 0043/6JAN or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.