A police officer has been seriously injured trying to stop a stolen car which went on to crash into a bus.

Police tried to pull over a suspected stolen car in Bridport on Wednesday evening. The driver of the car - a red Honda Jazz - reportedly failed to stop on Alexandra Road, in the Skilling area, and crashed into a police vehicle, causing a 'serious' leg injury to one of the officers, according to Dorset Police.

The vehicle went on to crash into a bus on Abbotsbury Hill a short time later. 

The coast road was closed between Abbotsbury and Swyre for a number of hours.

Two men - a 31-year-old man from Bridport and a 39-year-old man from Bournemouth - were arrested on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent and driving offences.

They were taken to hospital for treatment to their injuries before they were transferred to police custody.

The injured officer was taken to hospital where they have since been discharged.

READ MORE: Coast road closed in both directions

According to Dorset Police, there were no reports of any injuries to the occupants of the bus. The coast road reopened at around 11.30pm.

Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage of the collision at Abbotsbury to come forward.

Inspector Joseph Wheable, of the traffic unit, said: “This road traffic collision resulted in one of our officers being seriously injured in the line of duty and we are continuing to conduct enquiries to establish the full circumstances of the incident.

“I would urge any witnesses who have not already spoken to police to please contact us.

“I am also keen to hear from any motorists who were driving in the vicinity and may have captured relevant dashcam footage.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting number 55240121007.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.