Suspected petrol bomb thrown at police vehicle

Officers were responding to a report in the Shearwater Way area of the city at approximately 10am on Saturday (April 15) when their vehicle came under attack.

Inspector McLaughlin said: “A man described as being of slim build, and was dressed all in black, approached the back of the patrol car and ran towards the driver’s door before throwing an object at the driver’s side window.

“He then made off on foot. No damage was caused to the vehicle, however, what happened could have resulted in serious injuries to the officers in attendance or members of the public.

“It was a terrifying ordeal for the officers involved, completely unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.

“We will continue to monitor the area and would warn anyone contemplating becoming involved in such criminal activity to think twice before doing so.”

In the early hours of the same day, two PSNI officers were injured after responding to a domestic incident.

A female officer sustained minor injuries to her hip and hand after allegedly being pushed to the ground and a male officer sustained injuries to his hand.

The PSNI said police had received a report of a domestic-related occurrence at a property in the Ennislare Road area at approximately 2.45am on Saturday.

A 40-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of common assault.

A spokesperson said: “While en-route to custody, the man became agitated and aggressive, shouting at the two officers present.

“He resisted being placed in handcuffs and pushed an officer to the ground, causing minor injuries to her hip and hand. A second officer also sustained an injury to his hand.

“The man was further arrested on suspicion of assault on police and resisting police. He remains in custody at this time, assisting police with inquiries.”