A motorcyclist suffered “life changing” injuries today (January 14) after a collision with a car being chased by police.

Islington Gazette: Motorcylist is taken away by paramedicsMotorcylist is taken away by paramedics (Image: Archant)

A motorcyclist suffered “life changing” injuries on Tuesday after a collision with a car being chased by police.

Islington Gazette: Nissan that was being chased by Police on St John Street - pic by Xavier KeaneNissan that was being chased by Police on St John Street - pic by Xavier Keane (Image: Archant)

Witnesses described how the car, a black Nissan, was speeding down St John Street, Finsbury, at just after 11am when it hit a speed bump and flipped over – allegedly knocking the man off of his bike which then caught fire.

After flipping over the car is reported to have travelled 100 yards down the road and landed on its side at the junction with Skinner Street before the driver, a 29-year-old man, was arrested as he tried to flee.

The motorcyclist was taken to the Royal London Hospital and police said his injuries were life changing but not life threatening.

St John Street was closed between Skinner Street and Spencer Street while police examined the scene.

Ali Akkurt, 48, who owns City Kebab on St John Street, had just crossed the road when the car flipped at the zebra crossing.

He said: “I had just crossed the road when I heard the sirens and the car came very fast.

“He lost control and flipped over and just skimmed the bike – if he hit him full on the man would have died.

“There was screaming and a huge bang.

“After the car stopped the driver waited until there was more people around, climbed out of the window and tried to escape.”

Mr Akkurt said that the man on the bike looked to be in his 60s and may have seriously injured his left leg.

Police have not revealed the reason why they were chasing the Nissan but did confirm they had tried to stop the car.

A spokesperson for the Met said: “We made an attempted to stop the vehicle, a Nissan, but the driver failed to stop.

“Officers pursued the car which then collided with a moped. The driver of the moped was taken to hospital but the injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

“The driver of the car was arrested and taken in to police custody.”