THE police are appealing for the public’s help in identifying a man who they believe may have information about a fail to stop and severely damaged police car in Bristol.

The incident happened on Sampson Road at around 9.55am today.

A police officer with a dog stopped a white transit van which was believed to be stolen from the Winscombe area.

Shortly after the driver was stopped, he left the scene in the van. The police officer pursued the vehicle and the van reversed into the front of the police car several times. The white van has since been recovered.

The police car has been severely damaged and the officer and his police dog are being checked by medical and veterinary professionals however they are not thought to be badly hurt.

The man is described as white, tall and slim with ginger hair. He was wearing jeans, a grey round necked jumper and black jeans. He was wearing a dark coloured coat.

 If you can help, call 999 quoting log number 274 of 27/03. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.