A POLICE officer was injured as he attempted to arrested three suspected metal thieves.

Three men were arrested in the early hours of this morning after police were called to Malton Industrial Estate.

At around 2.55am, police were alerted to suspicious activity on the industrial estate after a vehicle was seen entering and leaving the site on a number of occasions.

On arrival, the police located the vehicle and followed it before it came to halt and reversed, colliding with the police patrol car.

A police officer sustained neck injuries and was taken to York District Hospital for checks. He was not seriously injured.

The suspect car was then abandoned at premises on York Road in Malton. Using police dog handlers and air support from Cleveland Police’s helicopter, officers traced the suspects who were found inside a property on York Road.

Two men and a youth were arrested, one aged 19 from Ipswich, one aged 20 from Malton and a 17-year-old from Malton. They remain in police custody for questioning.

An amount of suspected stolen steel cable was recovered during the incident.

Sergeant Richard Mallinson, of Malton police, said : ”This was an excellent result and shows how information form the public can greatly assist the police.

“It also highlights the potential dangers faced by police officers every day. Thankfully, in this instance, the officer did not suffer serious injuries in the incident.”

Anyone else who was in the area and noticed any suspicious activity is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101. Or you can pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Please don’t hesitate to call the police on 101 if you see any unusual or suspicious activity in your neighbourhood. If you see a crime in progress or if your safety is threatened, always dial 999.