A gang of thugs sped off on electric bikes after crashing into a police officer in Southport.
Patrols were out in t he town on Wednesday when they spotted three men driving dangerously on Sandbrook Road.
Police said the group came to their attention at around 7.30pm, before one of the bikes collided with one of the officers on duty.
The officer suffered injuries to his arms and legs and was taken to hospital for treatment.
His injuries were described as non-life threatening and he has since been discharged.
One witness described a large police presence in the area last night, with officers seen searching woodland nearby.
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Merseyside Police said "reckless riding of electric and scrambler bikes is completely unacceptable" and they are now trying to track down those involved.
The force is appealing for witnesses and anyone with CCTV or dash-cam footage from the area is asked to contact them.
Two of the bikes were described as being dark in colour and one was red. They made off following the collision.
Chief Inspector Steve Hardy said: “We are investigating following an incident in Southport which left an officer needing hospital treatment.
“I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident, bikes fittings the description above, or has CCTV or dashcam footage from the area to please get in touch.
The reckless riding of electric and scrambler bikes is completely unacceptable and we are carrying out a number of enquiries to find those involved.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact @MerPolCC, 101 quoting ref. 21000237641 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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