A 19-year-old man is today still being questioned by detectives in connection with the suspected attempted murder of a Kent police officer.

The 33-year-old PC has undergone surgery at Maidstone Hospital overnight after his own car was allegedly driven at him.

The officer, based at traffic headquarters in Coldharbour near Maidstone, suffered a number of fractures in the incident which happened shortly before 1pm on Wednesday. The suspect is being held at Maidstone Police Station.

The officer had chased two men on a motorbike in his car along the M20 from a road check near Swanley until junction four at Leybourne, where they headed into the Kings Hill estate, near West Malling.

Police are trying to piece together what happened next.

They believe that the men abandoned the bike and the officer chased after them on foot.

Supt Steve Corbishley, area commander for Maidstone, said: “It is believed, during this time, the offenders gained control of the police officer’s vehicle and hit the uniformed police constable, causing him injury. The police vehicle was later abandoned at a roundabout on the A228.”

The injured officer was airlifted to Maidstone Hospital. His injuries are not life-threatening but it is understood that he could have severe leg injuries from the impact.

The roundabout at the junction of Tower View and the A228 remained closed to traffic during yesterday’s evening rush-hour while investigators gathered evidence.

The closure caused tailbacks on nearby roads.

Police used sniffer dogs to search for a second man, described as white, 29 to 30 years old, 6ft and of large build. He has blond wavy hair and was wearing a grey top with blue sleeves.

According to eyewitness reports, at least 25 officers were at the scene after the accident, with more being drafted in.

Police have appealed for a man who spoke to them shortly after the incident to get back in touch with them, as they believe that he could provide them with more useful information.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Maidstone and Malling police on 01622 608088 or Crimestoppers free and confidentially on 0800 555111.