Arrest Made After Police Car Rammed In West Belfast

A 50-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of several offences after a police pursuit in west Belfast resulted in two police vehicles being rammed. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, 22 March.

According to Chief Inspector Pete Cunningham, officers on patrol in the Servia Street area at approximately 2:30 am observed a black Audi A4 failing to stop. A pursuit commenced, during which the Audi was seen driving erratically, including weaving onto the wrong side of the road, ignoring junctions, and driving the wrong way around a roundabout.

The pursuit ended in the Upper Springfield Road area when two police vehicles managed to stop the suspect vehicle. However, the driver then reversed and rammed the front of one of the police cars. At the time of the collision, a police officer in the front passenger seat was in the process of exiting the vehicle and was jolted into the doorframe.

The driver of the Audi then collided with a second police vehicle while attempting to flee the scene again. Four police officers sustained minor injuries during the incidents but remained on duty. Chief Inspector Cunningham praised their resilience: "Our priority is their safety and welfare and, as an organisation, we will ensure support is available where it's needed." He also highlighted the impact on the community due to the damage to the police vehicles, which will be off the road for repairs.

The arrested man is being held in custody and is suspected of offences including driving when unfit, dangerous driving, and failing to stop for police.

Chief Inspector Cunningham condemned the driver's actions, said: "Thankfully we are not dealing with more serious injuries today - and the actions of the driver responsible for the pursuit and subsequent collision with our officers is totally unacceptable. Members of the public could have also been injured during this completely reckless and dangerous incident."

Police are appealing for anyone with information, including dashcam or other footage, to come forward. They can contact police on 101, quoting reference 130 of 22/3/25.

A report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/