A POLICE officer was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries after being struck by a car in an incident just outside Grays this morning (31 October).

Shortly before 8am the police control room was alerted to reports that a female officer had sustained serious injuries after a car had been in collision with her after it initially failed to stop when directed to by the officer.

It is reported that the driver did then stop and then collided with the officer as they approached the car, before driving off.

The officer was taken to hospital by air ambulance with injuries that are considered to be serious, but not life changing or life-threatening.

A 45-year-old woman from Chadwell St Mary has been arrested on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, failing to stop and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

A 22-year-old man from Grays has been arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.

The A1013 just outside Grays where the incident happened was closed in both directions as the air ambulance and other emergency services attended the incident close to the access road to the rear of Treetops school.