Two PSNI officers hurt after car rammed during pursuit

By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

Two PSNI officers have been injured after their car was rammed during a vehicle pursuit in Co Tyrone.

Two people have been arrested following the incident in the Coalisland area.

One of those arrested is a woman who was driving a second vehicle with a young child on board, who police said attempted to block officers during the pursuit.

A PSNI spokesperson said officers on patrol in the Moor Road area attempted to stop a vehicle with no insurance.

The spokesperson added: “It subsequently sped off, resulting in a police pursuit, during which the police car was reverse-rammed by the suspect’s vehicle before it continued to drive dangerously without consideration for other road-users.

“At a later stage in the pursuit, the offending vehicle rammed the same police vehicle again, this time head-on, with two officers injured as a result.

“The pursuit terminated after the suspect’s vehicle entered the grounds of a local GAA club, driving across the pitch in an effort to evade police, before the driver made off on foot.

“Some damage was caused to the pitch as a result, and police have subsequently been engaging with club officials.”

Following a chase, police arrested a 36-year-old man on suspicion of criminal damage, along with a number of driving offences, including dangerous driving, driving when unfit through drink or drugs and failing to stop for police.

A police vehicle was also damaged during today’s pursuit and had to be recovered as a result, which also impacts upon the local community.

The spokesperson said: “A 29-year-old woman who was driving a second vehicle with a young child on board and refused several times to let police pass, moving her car to actively block the officers during the pursuit, was also arrested after the incident on suspicion of obstructing police, dangerous driving, using a mobile phone while driving and cruelty to children.

“Both remain in police custody at this time.

“Thankfully, the two police officers did not sustain serious injuries; however, it is unacceptable that those working to keep their community safe should be targeted in this way.

“Our priority is their safety and welfare and, as an organisation, we will ensure that support is available where it’s needed.

“A police vehicle was also damaged during today’s pursuit and had to be recovered as a result, which also impacts upon the local community."