THREE police officers were injured during a struggle with a man suspected of carrying drugs.

Officers were attempting to arrest the man who fled from the rear of a house in Blakeston Road, Billingham, yesterday.

They chased him across several gardens before they finally caught up with the 25-year-old, whose face was covered by a motorbike helmet.

Two officers suffered cuts and bruises and the other had a broken bone in his left hand.

The 25-year-old man from Billingham, currently being held in Stockton police station, was unhurt.

A 17-year-old girl and two men aged 24 and 25 were also arrested at the house.

DS White added: "Quick thinking by the officers involved resulted in the suspect being foiled in his determined escape bid."

Police also recovered a bag believed to contain heroin with a street value of up to £50,000.