A man has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm after a police officer sustained a broken leg when he was hit by a motorbike.

James Howsen, 23, of no fixed address, is due to appear at Barkingside Magistrates' Court this morning accused of GBH, dangerous driving and driving without insurance or a valid licence.

The officer was called to Wensleydale Avenue in Ilford on Sunday evening following reports of burglars in the area.

He was hit by the motorbike close to the junction with Charlgrove Crescent.

Detective Constable Chibi Nwosu, of Redbridge CID, said that he has been to see the officer, who is from the Redbridge area, in hospital.

He said: "This serves to highlight that, every time they are called out to an incident, officers do not know what dangers might await them. They put themselves in harm's way in order to protect the communities they serve.

"I've visited him in hospital this morning. He was about to go into surgery but is in good spirits. I can only hope that he will make a full and speedy recovery."