A police officer was attacked in Walton while chasing a suspect who fled from a car stop, sparking a police manhunt.

The shocking incident happened around 5.20pm on Friday, 17 January, when officers stopped a vehicle near Walton Village Hall in Meadow Lane. But as they spoke to those inside, a male passenger bolted.

An officer gave chase, but at the junction of Broughton Close and Main Street, the suspect lashed out, striking her in the face and knocking her to the ground. She was taken to hospital with head injuries and the suspect made his getaway.

The attacker is described as white, around 6ft tall, of medium build, and in his late 30s. He was wearing a dark zip-up hoodie, a fluorescent yellow tabard, and a T-shirt.

Two men, aged 35 and 36, were arrested on suspicion of dealing Class A drugs (cocaine) but have been released under investigation.

Police are urging anyone who saw what happened, or has footage, to come forward and help track down the attacker.

Anyone with information should call 101, quoting reference 5225014448, or use the police's online appeals form police's online appeals form.