Five people have been arrested after a police officer was seriously injured in a hit-and-run.

The incident took place at 3.16pm on Friday, January 26 in Coulter Road, Ashford, near the junction with Hedgers Way.

The officer, who was on foot at the time carrying out speed checks, sustained serious but not life-threatening injuries and was taken to the town’s William Harvey Hospital.

He has since been discharged to continue his recovery at home.

The car involved in the collision is described as a silver Vauxhall Vectra and a vehicle matching its description was found in Hornash Lane, Shadoxhurst, later that day.

It is believed to have travelled along Tally Ho Road shortly after the collision.

A total of five people – three men, aged 19, 23 and 37, and two women, aged 19 and 32, who are all from the local area – have been arrested in connection with the incident.

The 23-year-old man remains in custody while the other four people have been bailed pending further inquiries.

Officers from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate carried out checks in Coulter Road today, speaking to drivers and pedestrians to see if they could help with the ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information about the collision or who may have seen a silver Vauxhall Vectra in the area at the time of the incident is urged to call 01843 222289 quoting reference 46/14411/24, or visit the appeal page on the police’s website.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.