This is the moment a motorcyclist gets on top of a police officer to launch a series of punches at him.

The dashcam footage, captured by a passing driver, was recorded on Gorsey Lane, Litherland in Liverpool at around 11am on Wednesday morning.

The incident saw several members of the public rush to the officer's aid, trying to pull the man away.

The police officer, from Merseyside Police's Roads Policing Unit, had reportedly stopped the man because he suspected him of driving without a valid MOT or road tax.

A police spokeswoman said the motorcyclist had then assaulted the officer.

The footage shows the officer lying on the floor and attempting to defend himself as the man sits on top of him, launching a series of blows.

Dashcam footage appears to show a police officer being beaten by a motorcyclist who he pulled over

A man and a woman rush in to help the officer and try to pull the man off him.

More people, including the driver recorded the clash and a couple of other police officers, arrive to diffuse the situation.

The police force today confirmed a 39-year-old man from Maghull, Merseyside had been arrested in connection with the incident.

The spokeswoman explained: 'At around 11am an officer from the roads policing unit stopped a motorcyclist on Gorsey Lane, as the officer suspected the motorbike was being used without a valid MOT or road tax.

'The motorcyclist then assaulted the officer, before PCSOs and members of the public stepped in.

Several onlookers can be seen rushing to the aid of the officer and helping to drag the motorcyclist off of him

'The man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer and other motoring offences. He was taken to a police station and has been released pending further enquiries.

'The officer suffered cuts and bruises and remained on duty.'

The incident is the latest over recent weeks in which officers have been targeted.

Following the incident yesterday, Acting Chief Inspector Keith Kellett, from the Roads Policing Unit, said: 'Thankfully the officer was able to remain on duty and suffered only minor injuries, and we'd like to thank the members of the public and other officers who came to his assistance.

'This officer was simply trying to do his job and I'm sure the public would agree that officers who are keeping our roads safe, should not be subject to behaviour like this.'