An off-duty police officer was injured when he was run over as he tried to stop a car being stolen.

The officer was told the vehicle was being taken from outside a cash machine in Beechwood Road, Fishponds, Bristol, on Sunday morning.

He leant inside the car to try to stop it, but the man drove off. The car collided with another vehicle and the officer fell to the ground.

The car was then driven over him, leaving him with minor injuries.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesman said it was "remarkable" the officer escaped with only slight head and leg injuries.

The suspect is described as a white man, aged in his 30s, of medium build with short dark brown hair, unshaven and wearing a red outdoor-style jacket.

The stolen car is a Vauxhall Astra, registration number W735 HAK, which is believed to have sustained extensive damage.

Police believe there were a number of witnesses to the incident which happened at 1130 GMT.

They are urging them to come forward or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously.