Police have arrested a man after a blue articulated lorry allegedly rammed a patrol car during a late-night pursuit in Newry.
Chief Inspector Will Brown said officers received a report at around 11.25pm on Saturday, October 17, of a blue artic “swerving” on the Moygannon Road in the Warrenpoint area.
A lorry matching the description was located a short time later on the Derryleckagh Road, Newry.
“When signalled to stop by a police patrol vehicle, it failed to do so and a short pursuit ensued,” Chief Inspector Brown said.
“The lorry 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 sustained injuries, which are not believed to be serious at this time. The patrol car was extensively damaged.”
The lorry later stopped in the Water Street area of Rostrevor, where the driver, aged 36, made off on foot but was caught after a short chase.
He 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 added: “Our officers put themselves on the front line to help keep people safe. Thankfully, no one sustained more serious injuries during this incident, including officers and other road users.”
Appeal for witnesses and dash-cam
Police are appealing to anyone who saw the lorry, or who may have dash‑cam footage of its movements, to contact them on 101, quoting reference number 1770 of 17/10/26.
Information can also be submitted online via the non‑emergency reporting form at: https://reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals
Alternatively, witnesses can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/
