Driver forces police car off road, injures officer, damages two more police vehicles, escapes and is still at large

The incident occurred in the Newry area shortly after 8.00pm on Friday March 19.

At 8:10pm, officers from the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) Intercept Team were alerted to a vehicle travelling southbound on the A1, Newry Road.

When the vehicle, a Volkswagen Passat, failed to stop for police, there was a pursuit.

The driver of the vehicle subsequently forced the police vehicle off the road.

The police vehicle sustained substantial damage, while an officer sustained a leg injury.

Two other police vehicles who responded to the incident were also damaged when officers attempted to stop the offending vehicle from leaving the scene.

The driver of the offending vehicle made off from the scene and his whereabouts remain outstanding.

A section of the A1 was closed for a period of time as officers dealt with the scene.

Superintendent Norman Haslett said: "One of our officers has been injured as a result of the reckless actions of the driver who made off from the scene.

"We have also had to take two of our vehicles off the road so they can be examined for road worthiness, which affects our service delivery.

"There is also the impact in terms of our officers and their welfare, as well as the cost of repairs to the vehicle.

"I would appeal to anyone who can assist our investigation or help us locate the driver who made off from the scene to call us on 101, and quote reference number 2088 of 19/03/21."

A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport.

Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org---

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers — and consequently the revenue we receive — we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Ireland and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Alistair Bushe

Editor