A police officer on duty on the Sinamale' Bridge highway was seriously injured early this morning after a speeding motorcyclist lost control and struck him.

The incident occurred at 4:29am, a police media official said, describing the officer’s injuries as serious. The official did not provide further details about the injuries.

The motorcyclist, who was travelling from Male' towards Hulhumale', was stopped by police on the highway before the collision, the official said. The rider was taken into custody and did not sustain serious injuries.

Police closed Boduthakurufaanu Magu, the Sinamale' Bridge highway, the road leading to the bridge from Hulhumale' and the main road to Hulhumale' Phase 2 for an extended period last night while conducting vehicle checks.

The incident comes amid concerns over speeding in Male' and Hulhumale', where several people have recently been seriously injured in road accidents. Police have stepped up vehicle checks and enforcement of traffic regulations in recent days.