LAST UPDATE | 31 May
POLICE IN NORTHERN Ireland have launched an attempted murder investigation after an officer was struck by a stolen police vehicle.
The incident occurred in Downpatrick in the early hours of this morning.
Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones said at around 4.45am, a vehicle failed to stop for police. Officers observed a man running from the vehicle and a foot pursuit ensued.
Once officers returned to their police car, they saw that someone was in the driver’s seat. The individual was driving erratically and drove directly towards an officer.
Jones said: “The officer discharged one round from his firearm.
“The officer was struck by the vehicle – causing serious injuries. The vehicle was subsequently abandoned a short time later. The suspect made off from the scene.”
The officer received medical attention. He remains in hospital being treated for serious injuries.
A 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
Jones said the incident would have been a “terrifying experience” for the officer and his colleagues.
Meanwhile, SDLP Policing Board member Colin McGrath has called a full review into the incident.
“This appears to have been a disturbing and shocking incident resulting in a police car being stolen and a shot being fired at a suspect, before an officer was hit and badly hurt.
“A police car being stolen is a very serious, particularly given firearms and ammunition were present, and lessons must be learned from this.
“There can be no justification for these scenes, those involved should have cooperated fully with the police.
“Instead the life of an officer was put at risk and this is totally unacceptable. I hope that they make a full and speedy recovery.
He urged anybody with any information to make contact with the PSNI.