A police officer has suffered "severe facial injuries" while trying to detain a suspect in the Staple Hill area of Bristol.

Avon and Somerset Police say the officer is in a stable condition in hospital, but will need to undergo surgery.

The incident happened as officers gave chase to three people who ran from a vehicle that had been noted as suspicious on Kensington Road earlier that day.

Image: The officer is in a stable condition, but will need surgery. Credit: @pringles4u

Image: The officer was chasing a suspect who had tried to flee a vehicle. Credit: @pringles4u

All three ran in different directions, with one running along a footpath on Acacia Road, a statement from police said.

One officer chased the suspect down the footpath, but injured his face as he tried to detain him.


A police spokeswoman said the officer was "in the line of duty" while detaining the suspect.

It is not yet clear whether the officer was attacked, or injured in a fall during the operation. He has not yet been able to give an account of what happened because of his medical treatment.

Two people have since been arrested, including a 20-year-old man on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a class A drug, and a 37-year-old man on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs.

Image: Police say the officer suffered "severe facial injuries". Credit: @pringles4u

Suspected class A drugs and other items including cash and mobile phones have been seized. The car is currently being examined by a forensic team.

A cordon remains in place.