Chief Constable warns of ‘chaotic surge in routine violence’ after officer attack
- Love Ballymena
- 4 minutes ago
- 3 min read
PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher
PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has warned of an “increasing level of abuse and hostility” towards police officers following the incident in Downpatrick in which an officer suffered serious injuries after being struck by a stolen police vehicle.
In a strongly-worded statement issued on Monday, Mr Boutcher said the attack highlighted the escalating dangers officers now face during even routine policing incidents.
He said:
“Firstly my thoughts are with the young officer who was struck by the vehicle, and with his colleague who was forced to witness what they believed at the time to be the murder of their colleague and friend.
“I spoke with the injured officer this morning and am heartened to hear that he is recovering well despite some horrible injuries and I wish him a full and speedy recovery.”
‘Vehicles weaponised as part of efforts to murder police’
The Chief Constable said the attack began with what appeared to be a routine failure to stop for police, before escalating into serious violence within moments.
“This attack didn’t arise from terrorism or a violent altercation involving weapons. This began with a car which failed to stop,” he said.
“It is further evidence, if any was needed, of the danger facing our officers every time they put on their uniform. How within a split second almost any situation can escalate into violence or the threat of violence towards them.”
Mr Boutcher said more than 2,600 assaults on PSNI officers and staff were recorded in the 12 months to the end of 2025, alongside more than 100 incidents involving police vehicles being rammed.
“Now we are seeing vehicles weaponised as part of efforts to murder police,” he said.
“Nowhere in a civilised society can this be considered ‘normal’ or ‘part of the job’.”
‘Support for policing must be unequivocal’
The Chief Constable said officers were now dealing not only with the continuing threat from dissident republican groups, but also what he described as a “chaotic surge in routine violence”.
“PSNI officers put themselves on the front line everyday to keep communities safe,” he said.
“They serve with professionalism, courage and a deep commitment to the people of Northern Ireland and they do not deserve to be faced with what I see as increasing levels of abuse and hostility simply for doing their job.
“Support for policing - and for our police officers - must be unequivocal.”
He also stressed that attacks on police should be viewed as attacks on wider society.
“Our officers and staff are from the same communities as everyone else living and working in Northern Ireland,” he said.
“So, these attacks are not just attacks on individuals, or attacks on ‘the police’ as an entity, they are - and should be unanimously viewed as - attacks on all of us.”
Investigation continues as two remain in custody
The Serious Crime Branch investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
Police confirmed that a 27-year-old man has already appeared before court charged with a number of driving offences, while a 36-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman remain in custody.
Detectives are continuing to appeal for information and footage linked to the incident.
Anyone with information can contact police on 101 or submit details online via:
Photos or footage, including CCTV, mobile phone or dash-cam recordings, can also be uploaded through the Major Incident Public Portal:
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at: