Police Federation calls for urgent review of patrolling after second ‘ramming’

An urgent review of PSNI patrolling methods has been called for after two officers had their car rammed during an incident in south Armagh.
By Mark Rainey
Published 12th Mar 2021, 15:36 BST
Updated 12th Mar 2021, 18:45 BST
PSNI patrol vehicle which was rammed during an incident in Crossmaglen on Thursday night. Two officers were injured as a result. Photo: PacemakerPSNI patrol vehicle which was rammed during an incident in Crossmaglen on Thursday night. Two officers were injured as a result. Photo: Pacemaker
PSNI patrol vehicle which was rammed during an incident in Crossmaglen on Thursday night. Two officers were injured as a result. Photo: Pacemaker

The officers were on patrol in the Corrasmoo Road area of Cullaville around 11.20pm on Thursday when they investigated a blue Transit-type van causing an obstruction.

As an attempt was made to speak with the van driver, the vehicle made off at speed, striking the police car causing injuries to two officers, a PSNI spokesman said.

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Superintendent Norman Haslett described the incident as “reckless” and appealed for anyone with information to call 101 quoting reference number 1888 of 11/03/21.

Seven days earlier, three officers were injured when their patrol vehicle was rammed by a lorry during a joint operation with HMRC officials near Jonesborough.

In a Twitter message on Friday, the Police Federation NI said: “Urgent review of patrolling required to prevent further occurrences. Police are there to protect society – not take unnecessary injuries @ChiefConPSNI.”

Newry & Armagh MLA William Irwin said: “This was a very callous and dangerous act and I totally condemn the driver of the van who was clearly intent on evading the police regardless of anyone’s safety.”

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The DUP representative added: “This type of criminality is totally unacceptable and I wish the PSNI officers well as they recover from their injuries and also the shock of this attack.

“This is the type of risk our PSNI officers are subjected to and they have to operate in these environments and all in the desire to keep the wider public safe and secure.”

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