Image caption The officer suffered head injuries in the assault

A police officer is in hospital after being seriously injured in a "shocking" attack in Doncaster.

South Yorkshire Police said they were called to reports of a vehicle crash on Cleveland Street at about 07:30 BST.

The officer, 45, was assaulted when three people fled the area, running towards Cherry Tree Road.

The force said his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. Two men and a woman have been arrested on suspicion of robbery and assault.

A spokesperson said: "Officers attended [after receiving reports of the crash] and pursued the individuals on foot to an address near Cherry Tree Road, where an incident occurred in the garden of a property.

"At this time, a male police officer, 45, from Doncaster, suffered serious head injuries and was taken to hospital in a critical condition.

"His condition is now described as stable and the injuries are not currently thought to be life-threatening."

Image caption A cordon has been put in police while investigations continue

Ch Supt Tim Innes added: "This was a shocking incident and highlights the dangers police officers face on a daily basis, not just in South Yorkshire but across the UK."

The force has appealed for any witnesses to come forward.