A POLICE officer is in a life-threatening condition following a car chase involving suspected armed burglars.

Police were called at 6.16am today (Saturday) to reports of an aggravated burglary in Dagenham.

The victim reported that the suspects were armed.

A number of suspects fled from the scene in a silver Chrysler.

A short time later, officers in an armed response car signalled for a silver Chrysler to stop in Stratford town centre.

The Chrysler failed to stop for police and was followed in the direction of Leytonstone High Road. The vehicle stopped briefly in Stratford and a male suspect ran off.

At 6.43am, the Chrysler was stopped in Ashlin Road, Stratford.

An officer with the CO19 Force Firearms Unit got out of the car and sustained serious head injuries. Inquiries continue to establish the circumstances of the incident.

The officer, in his 30s, was taken by ambulance to Whipps Cross University Hospital.

His condition is described as critical.

As the Chrysler attempted to leave, it rammed a marked police car. Two police officers sustained minor injuries.

The three people in the Chrysler car were arrested and taken to east London police stations where they remain in custody.

They are a 26-year-old man, a 19-year-old man, and a 21-year-old woman.

None of them were injured.

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 8345 3865 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

DCI Mick Broster said: "We are investigating a serious incident that has left a police officer with life threatening injuries.

"We are appealing for anyone with information to please come forward as soon as possible."