AN off-duty police officer was attacked as he attempted to prevent two men from breaking into his neighbour's house.

PC Richard Bagley, an officer with Middlesbrough Police, was confronted by the pair, one of them wielding a hammer, as he investigated the sound of breaking glass.

The 36-year-old was watching TV with his wife at about 8.45pm on Thursday at his Stockton home when he heard a commotion.

He went outside to investigate and was met by a 6ft skinhead who confronted him with the hammer.

PC Bagley said: "I heard the window being smashed and went outside to see what was going on. I knew my neighbours were away and was sure something was happening.

"I was confronted by the skinhead who came for me with the hammer. However, I managed to get it off him.

"What I didn't realise though was that there was two of them and the other lad kicked me in the face."

A struggle then ensued and PC Bagley chased the pair down the road as they attempted to drive off in a Mini Metro.

He said: "I ran after them for about 50 metres before punching my fist through the car's window in a bid to stop it.

"It was a silly thing to do and I ended up needing hospital treatment for cuts to my arm. Unfortunately, the pair were able to make off.

"It was my instinct that kicked in at the time, but I would not advise anybody else to do the same.

"I could have been hit with the hammer had I not had training in how to deal with this sort of thing."

PC Bagley also received treatment at the University Hospital of North Tees, Stockton, for cuts and bruises to his head and feet, before returning to duty yesterday morning.

The men, who did not get away with anything, are described as being in their mid-20s. One was 6ft, with a skinhead and wearing a blue top. The other was wearing a woolly hat and a black jacket.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Brett Merritt at Stockton Police Station on (01642) 302226.