Man Arrested After Using Van To Attack Police Officers

The PSNI has condemned an incident in which a man used a van to repeatedly ram a police patrol car and attempted to run over an officer in Newry on Saturday, 03 February.

Shortly after 11:20pm, officers on patrol approached a man standing beside a white Peugeot van in the Castlekeele Estate area. As they approached, the man got into the vehicle and as police pulled up behind the van, he reversed at speed and collided with the police vehicle a number of times causing damage to the vehicle.

As one of the officers got out of the police vehicle, the van driver drove directly at the officer, who had to take evasive action to get out of the way.

Two officers received minor injuries during the incident. The 37-year-old male driver attempted to make off on foot from the scene, but was arrested a short time later. He was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, using a motor vehicle without insurance and various other related motoring offences. He remains in police custody at this time.

Inspector Porter said: "Our police officers work tirelessly at all hours of the day and night on behalf of the community to keep the community safe. This type of behaviour is dangerous and reprehensible and it needs to stop.

"I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may have dash-cam or CCTV footage that could assist us with our enquiries to contact police on 101 quoting reference of 1887 03/04/24."

Alternatively, a report can be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.