Police Officers In Hospital After Vehicle Rammed

Two police officers remain in hospital being and are being treated for injuries they sustained when their vehicle was rammed by a stolen car outside Newry on Monday, 10 June.

At around 9am, it was reported to police that a silver Volkswagen Passat had been taken from outside a house on Irish Street in Armagh City.

Responding officers located the Passat in Newry at around 9.25am. As officers attempted to stop the vehicle in the Shepherd's Way on-slip to the A1 dual carriageway the driver of the stolen vehicle reversed at speed and rammed the police vehicle.

As a result, two officers were injured and were unable to continue their duties and the patrol vehicle has sustained serious damage which will render it unusable for the foreseeable future. The suspect, the driver of the stolen car, made off on foot. A significant search operation is underway for the man who is described as being aged around 25 with blonde/sandy brown hair and wearing grey tracksuit bottoms, a grey top with green shoulders.

Newry, Mourne & Down District Commander, Superintendent Norman Haslett said: "Any attack on our officers, who work tirelessly around the clock, often in challenging circumstances to protect the community, is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

"I condemn this incident in the strongest possible terms. An investigation is underway to bring the person responsible to justice and I wish both officers a speedy recovery.

"I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may have dash-cam or CCTV footage that could assist us with our enquiries to contact police on 101 quoting 350 10/06/24."

Alternatively, a report can be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org