Police have condemned witnesses who filmed an injured officer after he was knocked off his bike during a pursuit.

West Midlands Police described the behaviour of bystanders in Coventry – who opted not to help the officer before he was taken to hospital – as “absolutely disgusting”.

The officer, who was pursuing a stolen off-road bike, is recuperating at home after suffering bruising and shock.

Confirming details of the incident, the West Midlands Police Road Harm Reduction Team tweeted: “Very disappointed to report that when one of our team was knocked off his bike while pursuing a stolen bike the first thing that people thought to do was to record the incident on their mobile phones rather than help the rider.

“Luckily we were close! Any info via 101 please…”

In a follow-up tweet, the same police account thanked social media users for their support for the rider, who was injured in Stoney Stanton Road.

A further police Twitter account, WMP Contact, tweeted: “Absolutely disgusting behaviour. If you have any information about this incident involving our @WMPRHRT @Trafficwmp friends please call 101.

“For those filming our injured colleague … the difference between us & you is if you ever need our help in future, we will still respond.”

A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: “Officers on a routine operation in Coventry yesterday (29 August), observed a yellow off-road bike speeding down the road.

“An officer on a motorbike pursued the bike, also believed to be stolen, but it failed to stop and he was accidentally hit by a passing car.

“He was taken to hospital to be treated for minor injuries and bruising and is recovering at home.”

He added: “The officer would like to thank the member of the public who stopped to help him when he came off his bike.”

The force is appealing for anyone who witnessed this incident, or who has any information on the bike, to come forward.