A violent criminal who almost killed two police officers when he mowed them down with his 4x4 is being hunted after breaking the terms of his licence.

Hizekiah Roberts, 37, was living in Dickens Avenue, Canterbury, when he was jailed for 12 years in 2008 for his part in a string of ram raids across Kent.

In one of the thefts at a Sainsbury's in New Romney, he tried to escape by driving his Toyota Land Cruiser at a police barricade, knocking down two officers.

PC Adam Hume broke his ankle and was off work for eight months while PC William Unsworth suffered “many months” off work with a broken leg.

Damage to the site was £175,000 but the cash machine containing £55,850 was recovered at the scene.

Other areas targeted by the gang included Littlebourne, Beltinge, Hawkinge and Sandwich.

Roberts was jailed after admitting conspiracy to burgle, criminal damage, two charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and dangerous driving.

But following his early release, he is suspected of breaching the terms of his licence by committing further offences.

Essex Police say Roberts, whose tattoos include a bulldog and the name Amy on his back, was last known to have been living in Chelmsford and has connections in Kent and Hampshire.

Anyone with information about him should contact Pc Jason Corrigan on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.