KENT Police are appealing for information after a police officer was run over in a car park at the Bluewater shopping centre at Greenhithe, near Dartford.

The female officer had approached a suspected shoplifter who had been followed by security guards out of the Marks and Spencer store.

As the offender got into his car the officer went to the driver's side door which was open.

The offender reversed the car, pulling the police officer to the ground and running over her leg. The officer was taken to Darenth Valley Hospital where she was treated for bruising to her leg, knee and shoulder.

The offender’s car is described as a blue Vauxhall Vectra. He is described as a white man, aged about 35, and 6ft 4ins tall. He is of stocky build with dark brown short hair.

A number of items believed stolen from Marks and Spencer were recovered at the scene.

PC James Heath, the officer investigating the incident said: “This was a particularly nasty incident that could have caused serious injury to an officer carrying out her duty.”

The incident hapened at about 4.20pm on Thursday. Anyone who may have witnessed this incident is asked to contact PC Heath quoting reference 16856 on 01474 565167 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 – calls to this number are free and you may be eligible for a reward.