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A man has been arrested after a lorry failed to stop for police on the Derryleckagh Road in Newry. A short pursuit followed which resulted in three officers being injured when the lorry struck a police vehicle before it came to a stop in Rostrevor. Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with dash-cam footage to come forward.
Chief Inspector Will Brown said police received a report at about 11.25pm on Saturday 17 October of a blue articulated lorry swerving on Moygannon Road in the Warrenpoint area. He said: “Officers responded and located a lorry matching the description on the Derryleckagh Road, Newry.”
The Chief Inspector said the lorry did not stop when signalled to do so by a police patrol vehicle. It was driven at speed and on the wrong side of the road before it struck a police vehicle and continued towards Rostrevor. Three officers inside the police vehicle were injured, though their injuries are not believed to be serious at this time, and 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. He was detained by officers following a short foot chase.
The man 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 as enquiries continue.
Chief Inspector Brown said: “Our officers put themselves on the front line to help keep people safe.” He added: “Thankfully, no one sustained more serious injuries during this incident, including officers and other road users.”
Police are asking anyone who saw the lorry, or who has dash-cam footage of its movements, to contact them on 101, quoting reference number 1770 of 17/10/26.
A report can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via eporting.psni.police.uk
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at: crimestoppers-uk.org
