Police officers injured as suspect rams vehicle in Derry/Londonderry

A 23-year-old man was arrested after ramming a police vehicle multiple times in Derry/Londonderry on Thursday. It was the second such attack on officers in a single week.

Two officers hurt after car rams police vehicle in Derry/Londonderry

Google News IE — Crime (en) reports that two police officers were injured on Thursday 27 August after a suspect deliberately rammed their vehicle multiple times in the Rossnagalliagh Park area of Derry/Londonderry.

District Support Team officers on proactive patrol in the Waterside area observed a car being driven without valid insurance by a person believed to be disqualified from driving. Shortly after 8.30pm, officers signalled for the vehicle to stop near Foyle Bridge. The driver fled towards the city centre and was pursued by trained officers.

The car was later spotted entering Rossnagalliagh Park, where it was pursued a second time. The driver then rammed a police vehicle on several occasions, causing significant damage and injuring both officers inside.

An Armed Support Unit attended and used tactical contact to bring the car to a stop. A 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, failing to stop for police, and possession of a Class A controlled drug. He remained in custody at the time of the statement.

Derry City and Strabane District Superintendent McIldowney said it was the second ramming of a police vehicle that week. On Tuesday 25 August, two officers were injured in a similar incident on Ballycolin Road in Dunmurry, with two men subsequently charged to court.

"As a result of the behaviour of individuals, four officers have been injured and three police vehicles are now off the road," McIldowney said, adding that the damaged vehicles would affect the service's ability to carry out duties on behalf of the local community.

"Thankfully, our officers were not seriously injured, however, it is unacceptable that people working to keep their community safe should be targeted in this way," he said. "Police will not tolerate reckless and dangerous driving and will continue to ensure those who pose a danger to the public are taken off our roads."

Source: Google News IE — Crime (en)