A MANHUNT is under way today for the driver of a stolen van which rammed a police car and injured two female officers in Ipswich.

A MANHUNT is under way today for the driver of a stolen van which rammed a police car and injured two female officers in Ipswich.

The collision occurred just after 9.30pm yesterday near Asda in Goddard Road.

A member of the public called police around 9.25pm to report suspicious activity involving men in a Peugeot Boxer van and a car around the area of Browning Road and Burns Road in the Whitton area of the town.

Officers were sent out to investigate and the Peugeot van headed off into Spenser Road followed by Meredith Road before turning right into Norwich Road.

It was trailed by two officers in a police car who eventually stopped the van near Asda.

However just as the officers were getting out of the vehicle, the driver of the van put it into reverse and rammed their car.

Neither policewoman sustained serious injuries, although one was taken to Ipswich Hospital for suspected whiplash injuries while the other officer grazed their elbow.

After smashing into the car, the driver of the van drove off into the Whitehouse Industrial Estate.

The vehicle was eventually found dumped in the car park of an industrial unit in Olympus Close.

A police dog was brought in to help officers with the search to find the suspect.

However, no one was arrested.

Forensics have been taken from the van and police are trawling CCTV images in their efforts to catch the culprit.

The male driver is described as white, aged in his 30s and of large build. He was also wearing a reflective jacket.

Inquiries have established the Peugeot Boxer had been stolen in Ipswich sometime between January 8 and yesterday .

Police are now urging anyone with information about the theft, or the driver of the van during yesterday's incident to contact them.

If you can help telephone Sgt David Horne, of Ipswich Neighbourhood Response Team on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.