POLICE will investigate after a man suffered serious injuries during a police operation on the Central Coast.
Officers from Tuggerah Lakes Police District began a search on Friday after a 27-year-old man was reported missing.
Shortly before 6pm on Saturday officers were called to the M1's southbound lanes near the Sparks Road offramp at Bushells Ridge after members of the public flagged concerns about the welfare of a man seen running on the highway.
"Police were told the mirror of a Ford Ranger utility struck the man when the driver swerved to avoid him," NSW Police said in a statement. "The driver, a 59-year-old man, stopped and notified police before the man ran into thick bushland nearby."
Police set up a perimeter and attempted to locate the man with help from the police helicopter, the dog unit and Traffic and Highway Patrol officers.
A dog unit officer found the man in bushland about 10pm. During what police described as a "violent struggle", the dog bit the man and caused severe injuries to his legs.
The officer rendered first aid, with other police arriving on scene to assist.
Paramedics treated the injured man, 27, before he was taken to the John Hunter Hospital under police guard. Police said he was reported to be in a critical condition.
The male sergeant went to Wyong Hospital for treatment of minor injuries to his face, and has since been released.
A crime scene was established and a critical incident team from neighbouring Brisbane Water police district will investigate the circumstances of the incident. That investigation will be independently reviewed.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
