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A police officer has been seriously injured 'in the line of duty' after being hit by a van he was trying to stop - sparking a major incident in Liverpool.

Merseyside Police confirmed tonight a man has been arrested after a white Transit "was driven at a police officer" in Hasfield Road, Norris Green, at 7:25pm.

The male officer - who sustained serious injuries which are said to be non-life threatening but is "extremely shaken" - was attempting to stop the vehicle when he was struck, police said.

They said in a statement the unnamed officer "was simply doing his job, trying to protect the communities of Merseyside".

Residents have described hearing "loud bangs" followed by "the police shouting to get down" before dozens of police descended on the large housing estate to the east of Liverpool.

(Image: Liverpool Echo) (Image: Liverpool Echo)

The driver of the van has been arrested and taken to a police station in Merseyside to be interviewed, police said.

Forensics teams are combing the cordoned-off area tonight - where floodlights have been set up to illuminate the scene.

A road closure is in place on Hasfield Road and house-to-house enquiries are being carried out.

(Image: LIVERPOOL ECHO) (Image: Liverpool Echo) (Image: LIVERPOOL ECHO)

One man living in the area said: "We saw about 15 police cars fly down the road then another five then another like four.

"An officer was put in an ambulance and the ambulance was escorted away with two police in front and two behind".

Merseyside Police said: "Police have arrested a man after a car was driven at a police officer in Norris Green this evening.

(Image: @ConnorDunn7/Twitter)





"At around 7.25pm officers attempted to stop a white Transit van on Hasfield Road when it was driven towards a police officer.



"The male officer sustained serious injuries and has been taken to hospital for further treatment. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.



"The driver of the van has been arrested and taken to a police station in Merseyside to be interviewed.



"A road closure is in place on Hasfield Road and house to house enquiries are being carried out. CCTV opportunities are also being explored."

Detective Chief Inspector Martin Earl said: "This was a despicable attack on a police officer who was simply doing his job, trying to protect the communities of Merseyside.



"The officer has sustained serious injuries for which he is receiving treatment. He has also been left extremely shaken by his ordeal.



"His colleagues, both those who were with him at the time and others who attended following the incident, have been left shocked by this incident and are being provided with support.



"I would urge anyone with information about this incident, or who may have been passing Hasfield Road in their vehicle at the time and may have dashcam footage, to contact police. Any information could prove vital to our enquiries."