Shots fired as PSNI officer struck by stolen patrol vehicle
A police officer was taken to hospital with serious injuries after being struck by a stolen patrol vehicle in Downpatrick, in what the Police Service of Northern Ireland is treating as attempted murder.
The incident began shortly before 4.45am on Sunday after a vehicle failed to stop for officers in the Fountain Street area of the town.
Police later located the vehicle in Ballymote Walk and officers pursued a suspect on foot towards Colmcille Road.
According to PSNI, when officers returned to their patrol car they found someone in the driver’s seat, who then drove directly towards one of the officers.
The officer discharged one round from his firearm before being struck by the vehicle, which was abandoned a short time later. The suspect fled the scene.
Urgent medical treatment was provided at the scene by police colleagues, assisted by members of the public, before the officer was taken to hospital by ambulance. His injuries are understood to be serious but not life-threatening.
A 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in custody.
The stolen police vehicle, the officer’s weapon and ammunition have all been recovered and removed for forensic examination. As standard procedure following the discharge of a police firearm, the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has been informed.
Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones described the incident as “a stark reminder of the dangers” officers face while protecting the public.
The Police Federation for Northern Ireland also condemned what it called an “appalling and deliberate attack”.
Federation chair Liam Kelly said footage circulating online appeared to show “a calculated and dangerous driving act with no effort made to slow down or avoid the officer”.
“What happened in Downpatrick was shocking and brutal,” he said. “My thoughts, and those of every officer in the PSNI, are with our seriously injured colleague and his loved ones.”
Justice Minister Naomi Long said: “This incident highlights once again the danger our police officers face each and every time they put on a uniform.
“They place themselves in harms’ way to keep our communities safe and I wish to pay tribute to their professionalism and courage.
“I would urge anyone with any information to contact police.”