A POLICE officer was mown down in a terrifying hit-and-run in Bolton town centre.

The officer was trying to stop the car in the early hours of yesterday.

Details are still emerging of what happened, but it is understood the officer was on patrol and tried to stop the vehicle in Bank Street.

It is understood the car reversed and drove forward at the officer.

He bounced off the bonnet and roof of the car before he fell to the ground as the car was drove away.

The officer, thought to be based at Bolton Central Police Station, was taken to hospital but suffered only minor injuries.

He has since been discharged and is recovering from knee injuries.

An investigation has been launched and police said inquiries are ongoing.

Det Insp Gary Smith said: “The officer attempted to stop a vehicle, which reversed and drove forward causing him to land on the bonnet.

“He suffered knee injuries and has been discharged from hospital.”

DI Smith added: “Inquiries are on-going to trace the vehicle and driver.”

It is believed no arrests have been made in connection with the incident.

Bank Street is well used by visitors to the town centre to catch private hire taxis and is a main gateway in and out of town.

There are also bars and clubs in the area.

This is the second time in less than a year a police officer was hit by a car in Bolton town centre.

Last October, a 31-year-old female police officer was carrying out a routine check on a vehicle in Le Mans Crescent and signalled for the driver to stop.

But the driver carried on and the car hit the officer, before it was driven off.

The officer suffered injuries to her ankle and foot, which were not serious.