A police officer’s arm was broken when a suspected moped thief hurled the heavy machine at him.

Police were called to Culford Road, De Beauvoir on Saturday night following reports of a group of men who were “tampering” with mopeds on the street.

When they arrived they confronted one the men, who appeared to be trying to steal a vehicle.

But instead of surrendering, he apparently picked up the moped and chucked it at one of the officers, striking his arm.

The man made off up the road on another moped with his mates, evading officers who gave chase.

The officer was assessed by paramedics from the London Ambulance Service at the scene and his arm was confirmed broken at hospital.

A spokesman for Hackney police said they were trying to identify the suspects.

No arrests have been made.