Police officer injured in chase

A police officer from the traffic section has been hospitalised after he was hit by a stolen quadbike he was giving chase earlier this afternoon.

The extent of his injuries is not yet known.

The incident unfolded between Tal-Barrani Road in Ghaxaq and Triq Hal Tarxien in Gudja.

While on the beat in Ghaxaq, the police officer noticed that the number plates matched that of a quadbike reported missing last Saturday.

But as the police signaled the driver of the quadbike to stop, the driver ignored the order and accelerated ahead. The driver was later identified as a 47 year-old-man from Valletta. His wife, a passenger on the vehicle, was also arrested.

After calling back-up, the police officer chased after the quadbike and as the bikes came alongside each other the quadbike swerved into the police officer, causing the crash.

The quadbike driver and passenger were stopped moments later by a mobile squad car that forced the vehicle against the sidewalk.