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A 37 year old man is due to appear before Newry Magistrates Court today following an incident in the city on Saturday, 3 February which saw a police vehicle rammed a number of times. The man will be charged with a number of offences, including dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified and using a motor vehicle without insurance.
It was one of several incidents throughout the north over the weekend which saw 25 police officers injured.
The man was arrested after he attempted to escape on foot. Speaking on the incident Inspector Porter said “Shortly after 11:20pm, it was reported that officers approached a man who was standing beside a white Peugeot van in the Castlekeele Estate area. The man then got into the vehicle and as police pulled up behind the van, the driver reversed at speed and collided with the police vehicle a number of times causing damage to the vehicle.
“One of the officers got out of the vehicle and approached the van and at this point the driver drove at the officer who had to take evasive action to get out of the way. Two officers received minor injuries during the incident.
“The driver attempted to make off on foot from the scene, but was arrested a short time later. He was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, using a motor vehicle without insurance and various other related motoring offences. He remains in police custody at this time.
Inspector Porter added “Our police officers work tirelessly at all hours of the day and night on behalf of the community to keep the community safe. This type of behaviour is dangerous and reprehensible and it needs to stop."
Speaking on the injuries to police over the weekend Superintendent Nigel Henry said “Between Saturday morning and Sunday morning, 3rd and 4th February, across Northern Ireland, 25 police officers have been injured on duty, resulting in eight arrests for assault on police.
“While thankfully no officers received any serious injuries and all were able to remain on duty, these assaults on our officers while simply doing their job is not acceptable."
Police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may have dash-cam or CCTV footage that could assist them with their enquiries to contact police on 101 quoting reference of 1887 03/04/24.
A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk
Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
