The officer joined Durham Police in October 2000

Pc Lee Jackson, 32, was on routine patrol with a colleague in Dipton, County Durham, at 1110 BST on Tuesday.

A Durham Police spokesman said as they drove along St John's Terrace, a shot was fired from a house and an air rifle pellet hit Mr Jackson in the face.

A man, 22, was arrested on suspicion of assault and possession of an air weapon with intent to endanger life.

Plastic surgeon

Mr Jackson was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham where he is said to be in pain but "reasonably comfortable".

The pellet is lodged in his jaw and a plastic surgeon will see him later to determine the best way to remove it.

The police spokesman said an air rifle was later recovered from a house in St John's Terrace.

Mr Jackson joined the force in October 2000 and is based in Stanley.