Two Police Officers Injured in Derry Ramming Incident

Two police officers sustained injuries and their patrol car was damaged in a collision early Monday morning, 21 October, as they responded to a report of a suspected drink-driver.

The incident unfolded around midnight when police received information about a silver Mercedes being driven erratically on Shipquay Street. Officers located the vehicle on Strand Road and attempted to stop it using lights and sirens, but the driver failed to comply, instead accelerating away.

A police pursuit ensued, leading to the deployment of a stinger device near Pennyburn Roundabout. However, the suspect vehicle continued to flee at high speed, eventually ramming into the rear of the police car on Buncrana Road. The collision caused damage to the police vehicle and injured the two officers inside.

The suspect vehicle managed to escape the scene and was later found abandoned by An Garda Síochána near the Donegal border. Investigations into the incident are ongoing. As enquiries continue to locate the driver, police appeal to anyone with information or who may have captured any relevant dash cam or doorbell footage that could assist enquiries, to get in touch by calling 101, quoting reference 6 of 21/10/24. A report can also be made online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. Information can also be provided anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Inspector Mailey said: "Two police officers injured as a result of this incident were able to continue on duty and finish their shift. Our officers were working hard to keep their local community safe when this reckless act occurred, and they were injured. That is completely unacceptable.

"The police vehicle will now be off the road for repairs, which impacts on the local community. If you have information which can help our enquiries please report it."