Driver escapes after ramming NSW cop car

A driver has escaped after ramming into a police car near Newcastle and damaging it so badly that officers could not pursue him.

Police attempted to stop a Ford Falcon in Mayfield around 11.30pm on Sunday and pursued the male driver to a dead end street.

The man then reversed into the police car, damaging it severely enough to stop it from giving chase and leaving the officers with minor injuries.

Police are appealing for any information about a 1999 white Ford Falcon with the registration BL86WU.