Detectives are searching for a driver whom they said intentionally struck and injured two police officers with a car.

The Metropolitan police said the incident occurred close to Camden market in north London on Sunday morning.

At about 2.30am the officers tried to speak to a man after reports he was in possession of a knife. The man got into a white 4x4 before driving towards the officers and colliding with them, police said. The driver did not stop at the scene and made off on Adelaide Road towards Swiss Cottage.

The two male police constables were taken to a hospital in north London for treatment, with their injuries deemed not to be life-threatening or life-changing. Both have since been discharged from hospital while police try to trace the driver and passengers.

Police described the driver as a black male, about 6ft tall with a beard, wearing black clothing and a beanie hat. The passengers were described as two black females, with one wearing high-heel black boots, a black leather jacket and red skirt, while the other was wearing dark clothing including a long skirt and black boots, and had her hair in a ponytail.

No arrests have been made.

DS Toby Reynolds said: “Finding the vehicle in question is at the centre of our investigation. This white 4x4 will have significant damage to its rear, so if this description stands out to you then I need you to tell us.”

Raj Kohli, BCU commander for Camden and Islington, said: “Our officers go to work every day to protect Londoners and the many visitors to the capital. Last night, two of these officers attempted to carry out a routine stop after concerns were raised by a member of the public that a man had a knife.

“This man drove a car towards the officers without any consideration for what the outcome might be. It is only a matter of luck that neither officer suffered even more serious injuries than those they sustained.

“I would urge anyone with information to come forward and speak with us.”