A man has admitted hitting a Sussex Police officer with a motorbike and causing him injuries which required surgery.

Alfie Chandler, 20, hit the officer after riding away from two others who had tried to stop him.

Chandler, unemployed, was arrested at the scene and later charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving, handling stolen goods and driving while disqualified and without insurance.

Following the incident on Sunday, July 30, Sussex Police Chief Superintendent Adam Hays said: “At the weekend, an officer was seriously injured while carrying out his duties to protect the public.

“We are fortunate to have committed police officers who signed up to help protect vulnerable people and to make our communities a safer place.

“Officers do not sign up to be seriously injured, but sadly this is a risk all emergency workers face. It is not acceptable and should never be considered as simply ‘part of the job’.

“These incidents impact on officers and their colleagues, and it also means that fewer officers are available to respond to emergencies while they receive medical treatment.

“That is why we will do everything we can to ensure that those responsible for causing harm are brought to justice.”

Chandler, of Burlington Close in Feltham, London, admitted the three driving charges following the incident in Paradise Drive in Eastbourne.

He denied handling stolen goods at the hearing at Lewes Crown Court on Tuesday, August 1.

The officer sustained serious injuries that required surgery but he has since been discharged and is recovering at home.

Chandler was remanded in custody to appear before Lewes Crown Court on August 29.