A police motorbike rider crashed into a Christmas crowd, injuring nine people in California.

The Palm Springs officer lost control of his motorcycle during the 32nd annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade on December 7, veering into the audience.

Locals said the officer attempted to perform a trick on the parade route when he struggled to maintain control and ploughed into spectators just after 6 pm.

Footage shows the aftermath of the incident, with authorities checking on the victims.

Among the injured were a child with minor to moderate injuries, two senior citizens, and four other individuals who were taken to hospital.

The officer, who lost his hand in the impact, also sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

The City of Palm Springs confirmed that none of the onlookers' injuries were severe, and the community is now praying for their recovery.