TWO men from Kent have been charged over a car crash that left a police officer in hospital.

A car, which police say was stolen in Kent, was spotted in Grays, Essex, in the early hours of Friday. It collided head-on with a police dog unit van.

PC Mark Finch had to be cut free from the vehicle and suffered severe whiplash injuries, cuts and bruises.

Brothers Craig and David Palmer, aged 25 and 21, and both of Lees Road, Yalding, near Maidstone, were arrested and charged in connection with the crash.

Craig Palmer, an electrician, is accused of aggravated vehicle taking causing an injury accident, driving a vehicle without insurance, failing to stop for police, being approximately two-and-a-half times over the legal drink-drive limit and making off without payment.

Apprentice plumber David Palmer has been charged with aggravated vehicle taking causing an injury accident.

The pair are due to appear before magistrates in Basildon later today.