A man aged in his 30s has been arrested after a bus was reportedly hijacked at knife point in Omagh, Northern Ireland, with armed police involved in the pursuit.
The driver of the 273 Derry Express was kept on board while passengers were allowed to leave the vehicle, which was taken this afternoon in the Strabane area of Omagh, a spokesperson for the Police Service of Northern Ireland said.
Pursuit along the A5
The bus then headed off in the direction of Newtownstewart and was pursued along the A5 through Victoria Bridge and Sion Mills.
Police officers, including a specialist firearms team, eventually brought the Goldliner to a stop in the Fountain Street area of Strabane, and the alleged hijacker was arrested.
Images appear to show the moment of the arrest by armed police in masks, with the man lying on the ground by the bus, watched by a crowd that had gathered.
Hospital treatment and road closures
The force also said that one man had been taken to hospital for treatment after suffering injuries.
Detective Inspector Winters said: “Shortly before 1pm, police received a report that a bus had been hijacked in the Beltany Road area of Omagh.
“The man, believed to be armed with a knife, allowed the passengers to leave the bus, however kept the driver on board before making off in the direction of Newtownstewart.
“A pursuit ensued along the A5 through Victoria Bridge and Sion Mills.
“The bus was eventually stopped in the Head of the Town area of Strabane and the man, aged in his 30s was removed from the bus and subsequently arrested.
“He remains in police custody at this time. One man has been taken to hospital for treatment for his injuries. The Fountain Street and Drumallagh areas in Strabane remain closed at this time and the public are asked to avoid the area.”
Appeal for footage
DI Winters said that there were reports of collisions involving the bus, and an appeal has been made to the public for anyone with footage to get in touch.
“A number of reports of collisions involving the stolen bus and other vehicles, including a police car and damage to property have been received at this time and officers are appealing to anyone involved in a collision or to anyone with footage that could assist with enquiries to contact detectives on 101, quoting reference number 624 12/09/26.
“You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”
