Two police officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) sustained injuries after their unmarked vehicle was deliberately rammed by another car in County Down. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon, prompting an appeal for witnesses and dash-cam footage.
Details of the Attack
Tactical Support Group officers were conducting a mobile patrol on the Killysorrell Road, near Blackskull, at around 12:15 pm when they spotted a beige or gold coloured Ford Galaxy displaying defective number plates. The officers, travelling in an unmarked Skoda, followed the vehicle a short distance to Villa Wood Road. There, the Ford Galaxy stopped suddenly and reversed into the police car, causing damage.
The suspect vehicle then continued to the Gowdystown Road, where it again stopped and reversed at speed into the police car before fleeing southbound on the A1 carriageway. The police vehicle sustained frontal damage and was taken off the road for repairs.
Injuries and Police Response
Two officers required medical treatment following the deliberate ramming. Inspector Rice commented: "Thankfully, the injuries our officers sustained were not too serious; however, it is unacceptable that people working to keep their community safe should be targeted in this way. A police vehicle was also damaged, which has an impact on our ability to carry out our duties on behalf of the local community."
Appeal for Information
The PSNI has launched an investigation and is urging anyone with information or CCTV or dash-cam footage to come forward. Inspector Rice added: "Our enquiries are continuing and anyone with information, or who may have CCTV or dash-cam footage which could assist, can contact police on 101, quoting reference 601 20/05/26."
Information can also be submitted online via the PSNI website or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.
