Police officer mowed down in hit-and-run in Reigate Avenue, Sutton

The male Met Police officer tried to stop a car when it hit him and drove off shortly before 1am on Reigate Avenue before the Rose Hill roundabout, near St Helier Hospital.

It is believed the officer - who was working in a routine traffic operation - was thrown up to 20m by the impact of the collision.

Police said the male PC - who is not based at Sutton police station - was on foot when he attempted to stop a black VW Golf.

**UPDATE - Hit-and-run car found dumped in Morden**

London Ambulance Service was called by the PC's male colleague who was also on patrol with him.

The injured officer was taken to a south London hospital where he is in a critical condition.

His next of kin have been informed.

Police tape left at the scene in Reigate Avenue

No one has been arrested. Police would not confirm if there was a suspect at this time.

One resident, who lives in Reigate Avenue, said the police operation had been taking place outside his house. He said the officer was treated by paramedics at least 20m up the road towards Rose Hill roundabout.

He said: "I heard a lot of noise outside like a skidding noise. Looking outside there was a guy in the road and a lot of police ran over to him."

"I could not see any other cars nearby then within a minute or two some other police had arrived."

Alec Murphy, also of Reigate Avenue, said: "I looked outside the window and saw flashing lights everywhere. It looked really serious."

Where witnesses believe the collision happened

Road traffic operations regularly take place at the location in Reigate Avenue, where the speed limit is 40mph.

Road closures were put in place in the small hours of the morning as the investigation into the hit-and-run continued.

All roads are now open.

Anyone with information or witnesses are asked to call the Traffic Garage at Hampton on 0207 232 7478 or anonymously on Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.