Two officers have been injured after their police vehicle was deliberately rammed in Co Tyrone during the early hours of Thursday morning.
A 49-year-old man has been arrested following the incident on suspicion of a number of driving offences, including dangerous driving and driving with excess alcohol.
The PSNI say the officers on patrol spotted a silver Ford C Max being driven erratically on the Millix Road, Ballygawley before performing a dangerous manoeuvre and making off.
“Police enquiries indicated that the vehicle may travel to the Upper Cranlone Road area and officers made their way there in their Skoda Kodiaq police vehicle. Upon spotting the police car, the Ford reversed at speed before being driven forward on the wrong side of the road and ramming into the Kodiaq,” a PSNI statement said.
Mid Ulster District Commander Superintendent Daniel McPhillips said: “Our officers were out working hard in the early hours of the morning to keep their local community safe when this utterly reckless and deliberate act occurred. The actions of the suspect must be condemned in the strongest possible terms, and stand in stark contrast to the dedicated actions of the two officers.
“Despite suffering injuries both officers continued on duty, arresting the suspect and taking him into custody. They are seeking medical attention for their injuries today but both hope to be back on shift as soon as possible. Their commitment to this community is second to none and exemplifies the dedication of the officers who serve the people of Mid Ulster.
“The police vehicle sustained frontal damage and will now be off the road for repairs, which obviously impacts on the local community.
“I would ask anyone who may have captured any relevant dashcam or doorbell footage that could assist us in this case, to please get in touch by calling 101, quoting reference 50 17/10/24.”
