Two men arrested after a high‑speed pursuit through Markethill have now been charged with a series of burglary and driving offences, police have confirmed.
The charges follow an operation on Thursday, August 27, when officers pursuing a suspected getaway car on the Gosford Road were backed up by a PSNI helicopter, specialist Interceptors and Garda checkpoints on the border.
A 24-year-old man has been charged with offences including burglary with intent to steal, attempted burglary, dangerous driving and failing to stop for police.
A 35-year-old man is charged with dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, possession of a Class B controlled drug, criminal damage and burglary.
Both are due to appear before Lisburn Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, August 29.
As is standard procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.
In the aftermath of Thursday’s incident, Detective Sergeant Johnston said officers carrying out an anti‑burglary operation had signalled a black VW Golf to stop on the Gosford Road, Markethill.
“The vehicle made off towards the border at Newry, travelling at high speed,” he said.
“Officers from the Police Service’s Air Support Unit and Interceptors Team apprehended the suspects with assistance of local police. The arrests were aided by our colleagues from An Garda Síochána, who were also involved in the operation, and performed border checkpoints which prevented the suspects from fleeing the jurisdiction.”
Police have asked anyone with information that could assist their enquiries to contact them on 101, quoting reference number 931 of 29/08/26, or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
