Police officer injured in checkpoint collision
A police officer was injured after being hit by a motorcyclist attempting to avoid a speed check on Tuesday morning.
The incident took place on South Road in Smith’s at about 11.15am. The biker was flagged down by officers manning the checkpoint, but sped through at high speed, colliding with the officer as he escaped.
The officer, who was also on a motorcycle, sustained a minor leg injury in the collision. He was taken to hospital but was able to return to duty later that day.
One witness said that they saw a police car and and a police motorcyclist pursue the suspect, who avoided capture after turning down Hermitage Road.
A police spokesman confirmed later that there was “a short chase of the subject”, but it was called off “for reasons of safety”.
Checks on the bike’s licence plate showed that the vehicle was unlicensed and uninsured.
The spokesman added that an investigation into the incident was under way and a court appearance was expected.