A TEENAGER from Basildon has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after an incident which saw a police officer injured in a collision with a van.

Officers were called to Chapel Street, Billericay, at about 2.40pm yesterday, and saw a white builders van with ladders on the roof making a getaway.

As police followed the van, a number of items were thrown from it towards the police car, including shovels, rubble and a sofa.

When the van reached Stock Lane, Ingatestone, it collided with a police officer and a police car.

The occupants of the van then fled from the vehicle.

Four men were detained by officers and the other two ran off.

One of the men who ran off was the driver of the van, who was wearing a red jumper that was found near to the scene.

The police officer who was injured was taken to hospital but only suffered minor injuries.

A man, 42, from Basildon, was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and assault, and another man, 19, from Basildon, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

A third man, 20, from Sittingbourne, Kent was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, assault and attempted murder and fourth man, 26, from Coulsdon, Surrey, was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and assault.

They are all currently in custody.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "There were a number of witnesses that saw objects being thrown from the van and the incident in Stock Lane and police are appealing for them to get in contact.

"Anyone with any information should contact Dc Nick May at Basildon CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."