A number of police officers escaped serious injury after patrol cars were rammed in separate incidents in Portadown and Newry during a cross-border pursuit of robbery suspects on Saturday.
Detectives say a white Audi A3 used in a robbery in Lisburn later drove at speed across several areas, including Portadown and Newry, ramming PSNI vehicles before making off over the border.
The incident began shortly before 2.45pm on March 7 when two men entered a newsagents in the Milltown Avenue area of Lisburn.
They jumped over the counter and began grabbing cash from the till, with one of the men allegedly brandishing a metal object towards a staff member.
No-one was physically injured in the shop, but police say staff were left badly shaken and upset.
The pair fled with money and a staff member’s handbag, making off in a white Audi A3. Detectives believe there were additional occupants in the vehicle beyond the two men involved in the robbery.
The Audi was later reported driving at speed, on the wrong side of the road and even travelling the wrong way around a roundabout. The vehicle refused to stop for police.
During the pursuit, items including bottles of alcohol and a steel chisel were thrown from the car at officers.
The suspect vehicle then rammed police cars in both the Portadown and Newry areas before crossing the border.
Officers sustained minor injuries in the collisions.
Police said: “Thankfully our officers reported minor injuries – however, we could have been looking at much more serious consequences today – and those officers are being appropriately supported.”
The first suspect is described as being in his 30s, around 5ft 9in tall, and was wearing a brown collared hooded parka with a fur trim.
The second man is also believed to be in his 30s, around 5ft 7in tall, and was wearing a black beanie hat, black jumper, turquoise T‑shirt, blue jeans and black trainers.
Enquiries are ongoing and the PSNI says it is working closely with An Garda Síochána as the investigation continues.
Anyone with information, including dash-cam, CCTV or mobile phone footage, is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 893 07/03/26.
Information can also be submitted online via the non-emergency reporting form at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/
Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/
