Three police officers were injured when a lorry being pursued by police struck their patrol car in Northern Ireland. The incident began after officers received a report of a vehicle swerving on the Moygannon Road in Warrenpoint.
Pursuit and collision
At approximately 11.25pm on Saturday, 17 October, police received a report of a blue articulated lorry swerving on the Moygannon Road in the Warrenpoint area. Officers responded and located a lorry matching the description on the Derryleckagh Road in Newry.
When signalled to stop by a police patrol vehicle, the lorry failed to do so, and a short pursuit ensued. The lorry was driven at speed and on the wrong side of the road before it struck a police vehicle and continued towards Rostrevor.
Arrest and injuries
Three officers inside the police vehicle sustained injuries, which are not believed to be serious at this time. The patrol car was extensively damaged.
The lorry later came to a stop in the Water Street area of Rostrevor, where the driver, aged 36, made off on foot but was detained by officers following a short foot chase. He was arrested on suspicion of a number of motoring offences, including driving while disqualified, driving while unfit through drink or drugs, and dangerous driving. He remains in custody at this time as enquiries continue.
Appeal for information
Chief Inspector Will Brown said: “Our officers put themselves on the front line to help keep people safe. Thankfully, no one sustained more serious injuries during this incident, including officers and other road users.”
The investigation is underway, and police are appealing to anyone who saw the lorry or who has dash-cam footage of its movements to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1770 of 17/10/26. A report can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via the PSNI website, or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online.
