UPDATED 10.12AM: Police are speaking with a man they believe to be involved in a fleeing driver incident in which an officer was hit by a car.

Eastern Bay of Plenty area commander Kevin Taylor says the officer who was struck by the vehicle has been taken to hospital.

"Police would like to thank the public for their assistance.

"More details will be released when they become available."

EARLIER:

A police officer has been hit by a vehicle fleeing from police in the Bay of Plenty.

Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander, Kevin Taylor says the officer was struck by a fleeing driver near Whakatane.

'He is being attended to by ambulance staff.

'The incident happened at the intersection of SH30 and Kope Drain Rd in Awakeri, Whakatane area.

'The car involved has been found and enquiries are being made to locate the male driver.”

Police cordons are in place around the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

Motorists are being advised not to pick up any hitch-hikers in the area.

If anyone sees anyone behaving suspiciously in the area, they are asked to call 111.