A FEMALE police officer has been injured after being hit by a getaway car driven by two burglars.

The officer was taken to hospital after sustaining minor leg and arm injuries as she responded to a report of a break-in at a house in Pelican Court, off Main Road, Hursley.

The men were attempting to leave the bungalow in a stolen dark BMW as the police car arrived.

Officers tried to block the car by parking behind it but the burglars rammed it and also hit the female officer, who was on foot at the time.

She was taken to the Royal Hampshire County Hospital by ambulance, where she was treated and later discharged.

The pair made their escape in the stolen car, which was found abandoned near Asda in Bournemouth Road, Chandler's Ford, later in the day.

It is thought the gang may also be responsible for another break-in in the Stanmore area.

It is still unclear what was stolen from the bungalow, which is home to a 59-year old man who was out at the time.

Detective Constable, Dave McKeeman, said: This was a serious incident and I am appealing for anyone with any information to contact police and help us to identify the offenders.

A man was standing near the scene wearing a grey shirt, and he took a photograph or recording of the vehicle on his mobile phone.

n Anyone with any information should contact DC Dave McKeeman at North Walls police station on 0845 045 4545 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.