A police officer was injured when he tried to stop a stolen car cornered in a pursuit.

The police were called today at 3.37am to reports of a vehicle being stolen from Fitzalan Road, Finchley.

Two officers from the Met's Dog Support Unit (DSU) responded and managed to track down the vehicle that had travelled all the way to Woodford.

As they approached and turned on their blue lights, the suspect rammed into the police vehicle before driving off.

Officers pursued the vehicle which proceeded to drive into a dead end in nearby Rokeby Gardens.

One officer exited his vehicle and approached the stolen car, but as he did the vehicle suddenly drove at him.

He was able to move out of the way and used his baton to break the window as it passed.

The stolen car hit the police vehicle which was stationary and was pushed back some distance, before it crashed into a nearby garden.

The officer who suffered an injury to his hand and abdomen in the incident is recovering and his injuries are not life-threatening.

Both Met police Dogs were unharmed and remain on duty.

Chief Superintendent Karen Findlay from the Met's Taskforce said: "This is yet another example of the daily proactive and courageous work our Taskforce dog handlers carry out to tackle violent crime across London.

"On this occasion the two Police Constables who responded, and their trusted canine partners, went above and beyond to ensure these suspects were apprehended despite the violent efforts directed at them.

“These suspects deliberately drove the stolen vehicle at the dog van and officers to avoid capture.

"The officers showed significant levels of bravery and we are ensuring all the deserved support and welfare is in place."

A 23-year-old man, has been arrested on suspicion of Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and taking a vehicle and driving away (TDA).

A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of TDA and motor vehicle interference.

Both suspects were taken to an east London police station where they remain in custody.