Messages of support have been paid to a police officer who was seriously injured in a crash with a motorbike last night.

The force was responding to reports of a stolen motorcycle when the collision happened near junction 3 for Swanley on the M25.

The officer involved was flown to a London hospital for treatment after he suffered serious injuries and he is in a stable condition.

Messages have since flooded in on social media as policing teams across the country and members of the public wish the officer a speedy recovery.

Kent Police road unit said: "It is not every day we are using everything taught to us on our Tactical Medics course, alongside good friends on a good friend.

"Thank you to everyone involved. Intense pride, admiration and adrenaline taking me through the shift.

"Get well soon mate."

The team added: "Thank you to my colleagues that rushed to our friend's shouts for help. Thank you for your well wishes and words of support.

"Thank you to every single officer, staff member and volunteer involved today that brought this harrowing event to a conclusion with the male in our custody.

"I get to go home after my 17 hour shift today, my colleague is in hospital with his loved ones by his side and a long road to recovery ahead.

"Our thoughts are with him and his family. Bravery is not the absence of fear but action in the face of it."

The Dartford force added: "Best wishes to our colleague and his team."

The bike was being driven the wrong way along the clockwise carriageway.

The incident happened at around 4.05pm yesterday afternoon and a 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of offences including dangerous driving.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Kent, Matthew Scott, said: "My very best wishes to the officer who has been injured in this incident. And well done for getting an arrest."

The South East Coast Joint Response Unit added: "You should be proud of your actions. Privilege to work alongside you today. Best wishes to the officer involved."

The Port of Dover Police also sent their "best wishes to the officer, his family and his colleagues" saying their thoughts are with them all.

This afternoon, Kent Police issued an appeal for information.

A statement said: "At around 3pm on Sunday, January 23, patrols and the police helicopter responded to reports a suspected stolen motorcycle was being ridden dangerously in north Kent.

"The black and orange KTM Duke motorbike is alleged to have later joined the M25 near Dartford where it travelled the wrong way along the clockwise carriageway towards Swanley.

"It then returned along the anti-clockwise carriageway, again travelling against the flow of traffic. At around 4.05pm near Junction 3, the motorcycle collided with a roads policing constable who was out of his vehicle.

"The officer suffered serious injuries and was taken to a London hospital where he remains in a stable condition.

"A 26-year-old man was arrested later the same day in Dartford on suspicion of offences including dangerous driving and assault.

"Patrols also detained an 18-year-old man in Greenhithe on suspicion of theft. Both suspects were taken into custody.

"Investigators would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident and who has not yet spoken to the police.

"They are also keen to hear from anyone with privately held CCTV, or motorists with dashcam footage that may assist the investigation.

"Anyone with information is urged to call Kent Police on 01474 366149, quoting reference 23-0643.

"You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111 or using the online form available on their website."