A POLICE officer is in hospital with serious injuries after being mown down by a car which failed to stop.

Sergeant Ian Ring, 43, is being treated at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich, after sustaining a dislocated pelvis, dislocated shoulder, broken collarbone and a punctured lung.

His colleague PC Rob Evans was treated at the scene for shock after the incident in Thamesmead last Friday night.

The pair were on duty in Harrow Manorway, just after 11pm, and approached a silver grey Volkswagen Golf GTI to make general inquiries about the activities of the occupants.

The car was parked in the car park next to the Barge Pole pub.

But as they walked towards the car, it started up and drove towards them, hitting both officers as it sped away from the scene.

Police believe there were four people in the car and are appealing for help in tracing them.

Detective Inspector Kurt Conroy, from Bexleyheath CID, is leading the investigation.

He said: "At that time of night 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.

"To drive directly at officers in this way is irresponsible to say the least.

"We can only be grateful there was no loss of life."

Sergeant Ring, who is in charge of Thamesmead's Safer Neighbourhoods team, has been a police officer for nine years Det Insp Conroy added: "I am appealing urgently for information about this car and its occupants.

"All information passed on will be treated in the strictest confidence."

Anyone with information can call 020 8284 9233 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.