AN investigation is underway after a man rammed a police officer and his vehicle in a car.

The incident occurred in Moss Street in Blackburn at around 7pm on New Year's Eve.

Officers said a Fiat Punto was seen 'driving erratically' by a police officer before a short chase ensued.

The driver then pulled over and both he and the police officer got out of their respective cars

However the driver then jumped back into the vehicle and reversed into the police car, and injured the officer by trapping him with the car door.

An investigation is now underway by police to catch the man responsible.

No arrests have been made so far.

Assistant Chief Constable at Lancashire Police Terry Woods labelled the attack 'awful' and 'completely unacceptable'.

He said: "One of my Lancs Road Police officers was hit by a car as he got out to speak to the driver in Blackburn and his vehicle also rammed.

"There was no broken bones, he was battered and bruised but will make speedy recovery

"Another totally unacceptable assault on 999 staff."

Cllr Naushad Surve, who represents the Little Harwood ward on Blackburn with Darwen Council where the incident took place, called the attack 'disgraceful'.

He also encouraged people to be supportive of police and anyone with any information to come forward.

Cllr Surve said: "What can you say about this sort of thing? It's disgraceful.

"We've got to be supportive of the law, it is there to protect us in society.

"However it looks like this person has something to hide and the police were just doing their job."

Calls are being made for anyone with any information to come forward to the police.

A police spokesman said: "We're investigating the incident.

"One of our officers was driving a police vehicle when he saw a Fiat Punto driving erratically.

"A very short pursuit pursued for a couple of seconds before the driver pulled over.

"The Punto driver then got back in his car and reversed into the police car door injuring the officer.

"The officer involved suffered minor injuries, but they were fairly painful.

"The Fiat Punto driver then drove off and no arrests have been made."

Anyone with any information should contact the police on 101.