THIS is the dramatic moment when a BMW driver rammed a police officer and reversed along railings to leave him with 'significant' leg injuries.

Police have released CCTV as they continue to investigate an incident which happened just after 8:50pm on Thursday, November 29th.

The officer approached a suspected stolen BMW 2 series car to speak to the driver as it was stationary at some traffic lights on Eastgate in Accrington, Lancashire.

The car reversed, hitting a police car and the officer.

The officer suffered significant injuries to his leg and was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital to be treated.

He has since been discharged after undergoing surgery.

A man can be seen to run from the crashed stolen vehicle up Avenue Parade away from Eastgate.

Police want to find people who saw the grey BMW 218i with the registration SH14 WEL in the area around the time.

They believe the vehicle travelled along Bold Street, Washington Street and Park Street in the minutes leading up to the collision.

Officer want anyone with dash cam or CCTV footage between 20:45 and 21:05 on the 29th to contact them.

Det Sgt Phil McGauley said: “This is being treated as a deliberate attack on a police officer trying to detain the driver of a stolen vehicle.

"The car was taken from a burglary at an address in Accrington in the early hours of the 29th.

"Our officers and staff routinely put themselves in harm’s way as they carry out their duties serving our communities and protecting the public. It should not be seen as simply part of the job.

“Our thoughts remain with our injured colleague and his family at this difficult time and we wish him a speedy recovery.”

A 38-year-old man arrested a short time after the offence was released without charge.

A 24-year-old man from Accrington was arrested on suspicion of a burglary offence relating to the original theft of the car.

Another 24-year-old man from Burnley was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods relating to the stolen vehicle.

A further arrest was made on November 30th when a 19 year old from Burnley attended a police station. He was detained on suspicion of assault (GBH) and burglary.

All three have since been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

If you know anything about this incident please call us on 101 or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.