TWO police officers sustained minor injuries after allegedly being hit by a van driven by a man he was attempting to detain.

Two people have been arrested after Dorset Police received a report of two men tampering with the number plate of a white Ford Transit van.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “Dorset Police received a report at 9.35am on Sunday, April 17 of two men acting suspiciously in the car park of Aldi in Palmerston Road in Bournemouth.

“It was reported that the two men appeared to be tampering with the number plate of a white Ford Transit van.

“Officers attended and the men reportedly attempted to make off from the scene.

“One of the men allegedly got into the van and reversed it, causing minor injuries to two officers who were attempting to detain him.

“It was subsequently established that the vehicle involved had recently been stolen in the Bournemouth area.

“A 31-year-old Bournemouth man was arrested and subsequently charged with aggravated vehicle taking, driving whilst disqualified, failing to provide a specimen for analysis, possession of a class A drug and using a motor vehicle without valid insurance. He was due to appear at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

“A 33-year-old Bournemouth man was arrested on suspicion of theft and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. He has been released under investigation as enquiries continue.”