A BRITISH Transport police officer who tried to stop two men breaking into cars at Dartford railway station was almost run down as the suspects made their escape.

Two officers witnessed the pair breaking into a car in the station's car park at about 12pm on Wednesday.

As they tried to stop them, the men made their escape in a Silver Renault 19 which they deliberately drove at one of the officers, clipping him on the way past.

The officer was not seriously hurt. As the car sped by, the officer used his baton to break the driver’s side windscreen and a side window.

The car, with the registration number H617 AKM, was later found abandoned in Shirley Close, Dartford, about five minutes from the station.

Police are looking for anyone with information on the suspects or who saw the Silver Renault that morning. They are asked to call Freefone 0800 405040 or give information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.