Damage caused to the police vehicle during the incident in Jonesborough. PSNI
Damage caused to the police vehicle during the incident in Jonesborough. PSNI
Two PSNI officers were injured after their vehicle was rammed in Co Tyrone.
It was one of two incidents where police vehicles were attacked within the space of a few hours.
A senior officer said the vehicles had been used as a weapon to attack police.
In the first incident, around 7.50pm on Friday, officers on patrol in Beechview in Cookstown signalled for a black Mercedes B class to stop.
The vehicle attempted a reversing manoeuvre before turning and driving straight at police, mounting a kerb and colliding with the police vehicle before making off from the scene.
Two officers suffered injuries as a result and are now off duty.
Damage caused to the police vehicle during the incident in Jonesborough. PSNI
Separately, at around 1.55am this morning, police on patrol in Jonesborough, Co Armagh, observed a van exiting a car park. It then began reversing back into the car park.
When police approached the van, it drove forward, colliding with the police vehicle, it then collided with a pillar a short distance away.
Officers then arrested the driver on suspicion of a number of offences. He remains in police custody.
Damage caused to the police vehicle during the incident in Jonesborough. PSNI
News Catch Up – Friday 26th September
Newry, Mourne and Down Inspector Alastair Macdonald said: “These vehicles were, in effect, used as weapons against our officers. It is unacceptable that those working to keep their community safe should be targeted in this way.
“The police vehicles sustained damage and will now be off the road for repairs, which impacts on the local community. Those responsible should expect to be brought before the courts to face the consequences of their actions.
“Thankfully both officers in the vehicle were not seriously injured, our priority is their safety and welfare and, as an organisation, we will ensure support is available where it’s needed.”