A 25-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a hit and run that has left a police officer critically ill in hospital.

The man handed himself in at a south London police station this afternoon and was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury while driving dangerously.

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Police tape at the scene

PC Andrew Duncan, a Metropolitan Police traffic officer, remains in hospital with multiple injuries including a broken neck after the incident in Reigate Avenue, near the Rose Hill Roundabout, shortly before 1am today.

The car, a Volkswagen Golf, was later found dumped in Morden.

PC Duncan, known as Andy, was working on a speed enforcement operation with a colleague when he tried to flag down a black VW Golf travelling at speed along the road. The car collided with PC Duncan sending him flying several metres. It then drove away in the direction of Rose Hill.

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The suspect car was taken away in a lorry

Officers recovered a black VW Golf that had been dumped in nearby Hyde Walk, in Morden, earlier this morning.

It has been taken for forensic examination and police are appealing for passengers believed to have been in the car to come forward.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Horgan Howe, London's top cop, said: "An officer injured on duty is always upsetting for all of us in the Met and our best wishes are with him at this time.

"We will of course ensure that he, his family and his colleagues are being fully supported and a thorough investigation into the incident has already begun.

"Whilst serious injuries on duty are thankfully rare, it is a reminder of the courage of our front-line staff when carrying out their role to keep London safe."

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Officers search the scene in Hyde Walk

Commander Dave Martin added: "Andy is a hard working and committed police officer. He is extremely popular with everyone he comes into contact with.

"The thoughts of the MPS are with Andy and his family at this distressing time, we are all wishing for his recovery."

Officers are appealing for anyone who saw the incident or has any other information to come forward. 

They would also like to speak to anyone who was travelling as a passenger in the car. If you have information, you can call police on 101 or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.