A POLICE officer has been "knocked over" by a  suspected “drug driver” who failed to stop in Southend, police's say. 

Essex Police is appealing for footage and any witnesses after a driver failed to stop and assaulted a police officer in Southend.

Officers received reports that a driver failed to stop at the scene of a crash at Cuckoo Corner, just before Manners Way at about 5:25pm on Wednesday, September 6.

When the driver was found and stopped by officers, the driver attempted to leave the scene and knocked an officer over with their car, a police statement said.

The officer sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital.

The driver has been arrested on suspicion of assault emergency worker and drug driving.

Det Chief Insp Rob Huddleston said: “We are always working hard to keep our county’s roads safe.

“Everyone is entitled to travel safely on our roads, whether that’s a member of the public or one of our officers.

“I am glad to say our officer is doing well after this incident, and I wish them a speedy recovery.”

Essex Police has urged anyone with information to come forward.

A spokesman added: “Officers are appealing for dashcam footage and any information that will assist their enquiries after a driver failed to stop and assaulted a police officer in Southend.

"If you have any information or dash cam footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us at Southend CID.

"Please quote incident 1062 of Wednesday 6 September."