THE Essex Police motorcycle officer who was injured on the M25 this week while working to keep people safe has thanked the public for the concern they have shown towards him.

He would prefer to remain un-named at present and he is recovering from his injuries.

The officer has been part of the Essex Police Roads Policing Unit for more than 20 years, having joined the unit in 2001. He is a highly experienced officer and was equipped with the force's latest motorcycle and protective clothing, which includes built-in airbags. The airbags were activated as he was thrown from his motorcycle during the incident, while he was responding to criminal actions by Just Stop Oil.

The officer is married with two children. In addition to his duties catching criminals and keeping the roads safe in Essex, he also completed policing duties following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and during the Commonwealth Games.

Chief Supt Simon Anslow, the senior officer leading operations on the Essex section of the M25 this week said:

"I'd like to thank everyone who was making their way to work or school or anywhere else on the M25 this week for their patience and for the support they've shown to our officers.

"The people we have arrested are facing criminal charges and many have already been put before the courts."