A police officer sustained significant injuries after being dragged by a car during a traffic stop in Omagh on Sunday, 22 June. A 24-year-old man has since been arrested in connection with the incident.

Chief Inspector Graham Dodds provided details of the event: "The officer stopped a vehicle on the Beltany Road shortly after 23:00. Believing the driver may be under the influence, they prepared to conduct a preliminary breath test (PBT) however when informed of this, the driver took off at speed dragging the police officer along with his vehicle for several metres before the officer was able to free himself. The driver continued to flee the scene." Both the driver and the vehicle were later located in Kesh, where the car had run out of fuel. The driver was arrested on suspicion of offences including driving with excess alcohol, dangerous driving, and assault on police. He remains in custody this morning, Tuesday, 24 June.

The injured officer sustained multiple fractures to his foot, along with cuts and bruises. As a result, the officer will be unable to work for several weeks while recovering from the injuries.

Chief Inspector Dodds condemned the actions, stating: "This was a very dangerous situation which could have had a much, much more dire outcome. Police officers do not go to work expecting to be injured or attacked. No one should."

Police are appealing for a member of the public who stopped at the scene to assist the injured officer to come forward. "I would ask the member of the public who stopped at the scene to offer assistance to the injured officer at the time to please get in touch with us as we would very much like to speak with you," Chief Inspector Dodds urged.

Police can be contacted on 101.