Police officer struck by car seriously injured

The PC was responding to a separate incident when he spotted the car at the Applegreen Service Station

A police officer has suffered a serious arm injury after being hit by a car while investigating an incident, police said.

Devon and Cornwall Police said a male officer spotted a red VW Golf at 23:40 BST on Thursday in the forecourt of an Applegreen Service Station in St Austell, which was linked to reports of keys being taken from a property in Roche.

The PC - who was responding to a separate incident - approached the car on foot but was struck by the vehicle as it drove off on Penwinnick Road, police said.

The force has asked anyone with information to contact investigating officers.

Supt Jim Saunders said the PC was taken to hospital but has been discharged.

He added: "The suspects left the area in the car and searches have been ongoing since in order to locate them and the vehicle.

"The car was displaying the registration plate EJ71 CVE and we are now appealing for the public’s help to find it."

Robbery investigation

Supt Saunders also said the force was investigating a separate robbery incident at a nearby Texaco petrol station at 23:00 the same day.

He said two suspects forced their way into the petrol station and took cash.

"Work is ongoing to establish whether there is any link between these two incidents," Supt Saunders added.