Police have launched an attempted murder investigation after an officer was struck by a stolen police vehicle in Downpatrick, County Down. The incident occurred at 4.45am on Sunday when the officer, who had been chasing a suspect on foot, returned to his car to find a man in the driver's seat. The suspect then drove directly at the officer.
The officer fired one round from his firearm but was hit by the vehicle. He was taken to hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries. A 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in custody.
Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones described the incident as a stark reminder of the dangers officers face. She confirmed that the officer's weapon and ammunition, along with the stolen police car, have been taken for forensic examination. The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has been informed as standard procedure when a police firearm is discharged.
Jones praised the support from colleagues and the local community who provided urgent medical treatment at the scene. Detectives from the serious crime branch are continuing their inquiries and have appealed for anyone with CCTV, dashcam, or other footage to come forward.
