A traffic policeman was injured yesterday afternoon after being hit by a quad bike bearing stolen registration plates during a high-speed chase along Tal-Barrani road.

The drama unfolded at around 2pm and began in Għaxaq when a traffic policeman spotted a couple on a purple quad bike. He realised the registration plates had been reported stolen on Saturday so he signalled the couple to stop.

Instead, the couple sped off and a high-speed chase ensued, eventually involving mobile squad police cars.

The quad bike was being driven by a 41-year-old man from Valletta, who is known to the police. At the time, he was accompanied by a 40-year-old woman, also from Valletta.

At one point, as the two vehicles were being driven alongside each other, the quad bike swerved, sending the traffic policeman crashing to the ground, according to police sources.

The couple were eventually stopped in Tarxien Road, Fgura after a mobile squad police car rammed the quad bike against the pavement.

The man also suffered slight injuries during the chase and his eventual arrest.

It resulted that the quad bike had been stolen from De Paule Avenue in Paola on Saturday.

The police said the woman, who was also arrested on site, immediately denied knowing of any irregularities with the quad bike.

The traffic policeman was taken to hospital where he was treated for the injuries which the police said were of a slight nature.

Police investigations into the incident are ongoing.