Northern Ireland

Two officers left 'badly shaken' in Newry after suspected drunk driver rams police car and escapes towards border

Damage caused to a police response vehicle
Damage caused to a police response vehicle
By Allan Preston

TWO police officers have been left badly shaken after a suspected drunk driver repeatedly rammed their response vehicle in Newry before driving towards the border.

Around 10.30pm on Tuesday night, police were alerted that a man and a woman who were heavily intoxicated had arrived at a property in the Ferryhill Road area and were causing a disturbance, before they left the scene in a white-coloured Mini Countryman.

Newry, Mourne & Down District Commander, Superintendent Norman Haslett said: “Officers were on patrol in the area carrying out related enquiries when the suspected car approached a junction on the Dublin Road and didn’t stop, colliding with the police vehicle.

“The suspect continued to ram the police car, forcing it up unto a grass verge on the opposite side of the road.”

As an officer tried to leave the vehicle to carry out an arrest, the suspect rammed the car again before driving in the direction of the border.

“Both officers have been left badly shaken by what happened and we are grateful no one sustained any serious injuries,” Supt Haslett said.

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“Repairs will need to be carried out to our response vehicle before it can be used again.

“Our officers were working to keep people safe when this reckless act occurred and attacks like these should be wholly condemned.

“An investigation is now underway and we are also liaising with our colleagues in An Garda Síochána.”

Anyone who saw the white Mini Countryman vehicle in question, captured dashcam footage or knows its current whereabouts is asked to call 101, quoting reference 1782 for November 14.

Information can also be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.