A POLICE officer was injured after his car was allegedly rammed by a 4x4 in Hartlepool.

The Cleveland Police officer was parked in a marked police vehicle on Challoner Road due to an earlier incident whereby a 47-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of harassment and making threats to damage property.

The officer remained parked on the street to provide reassurance to local residents following the earlier incident.

At around midnight, it was reported that a silver 4x4 Mitsubishi vehicle allegedly rammed into the police car, causing head and neck injuries to the officer.

He was taken to hospital to be checked over and he was later released with minor injuries, following treatment.

The Mitsubishi vehicle was later found in the Durham area and was recovered.

A 30-year-old man was charged with criminal damage – recklessly endangering life, assault, driving dangerously and driving without insurance.

He pleaded not guilty at Teesside Magistrates Court today. Police are now appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident on Monday, September 30 to contact them on 101, quoting incident number 168899.