POLICE have launched a hunt for a motorcyclist who ran over a police community officer on their bike before fleeing the scene in Southampton.

Hampshire Constabulary says two people on bikes were seen parked up at Southampton Common on Saturday afternoon and police community support officer (PCSO) Steve Green approached them to ask for their details.

A male driver then became verbally abusive and hit PCSO Green before leaving their bike and running away.

PCSO Green suffered minor injuries to his leg and arm in the attack, which happened at about 4.45pm near the cemetery on the Hill Lane side of the common.

The rider is described as being white, about 20 years old, five feet ten inches tall, and of slim build.

He had dark medium length hair and a small moustache and was wearing naby blue shorts, a grey tshirt, and dark coloured socks and trainers.

He was holding a black motorbike helmet in his left hand and spoke in an English accent.

The bike he left behind had a cloned registration plate starting with HT16 and is described as being a red Suzuki.

PC Simon Peacock, who heads up Operation Torque, which tackles motorcycle nuisance in Southampton said: “I would like to hear from anyone who was on Southampton Common yesterday who may have information about the identity of the rider of this motorcycle.

“Do you have any phone footage, CCTV or photographs of these bikes on Southampton Common that you can share with us to assist with the investigation?

"Please call 101 and quote 44170230962.

“This is part of Operation Torque - an operation that tackles dangerous, criminal and anti-social use of motorbikes in the Southampton West area of the city.

"I still ask anyone affected by motorcycle nuisance to contact with me. Any information about illegal riders or where bikes are being stored can contact me directly.”