A police community support officer was deliberately run down by a yob on a stolen moped as she patrolled an Oxford estate.

PCSO Simone O'Dell was left with whiplash and bruising after the youth drove straight at her and her colleague Laura Jones as they were patrolling near Blackberry Lane in Blackbird Leys, Oxford, on Monday.

Last night, Ms O'Dell was recovering at home but told how the youth - a white 17-year-old - revved his engine before hitting her.

She said: "We were just carrying out our normal foot patrols in the area, looking for signs of drug dealing, when I saw this lad coming down Blackberry Lane on a scooter.

"I could just tell from the way he was looking that he wasn't going to stop.

"He revved the bike up, and next thing I knew he had hit me, knocking me over, before he was chased by PCSO Jones and a member of the public, who we're still trying to trace. I have some whiplash and bruising but I'll be fine.

"I'll be back on my feet and I'll be on the lookout for him, so he'd be better off coming and talking to us rather than us going and finding him."

Despite the efforts of Ms Jones, the yob escaped, dumping the moped, a red Peugeot SpeedFight, registration R954YNG, and fled in the direction of Samphire Road at about 6pm. The moped had been stolen, in Priory Lane, Littlemore, on June 17.

Pc Emma Green, of the Oxford autocrime team said: "I am concerned that anyone prepared to ride or drive stolen vehicles in such a dangerous manner could also pose a great risk to the public.

"I urge anyone with information to get in touch.

Anyone with information about the incident should call Pc Green on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.