Driver accused of dangerous A26 police pursuit after crossing into oncoming traffic

The red SEAT vehicle that was brought to a halt on the A26

A driver is due to appear in court after a police pursuit on the A26 near Ballymena ended with a car stranded on four burst tyres and two men attempting to flee across nearby fields.

The incident happened on the A26 Lisnevenagh Road when Road Policing Interceptors on a routine patrol spotted a red SEAT. Police said the driver accelerated after noticing the patrol vehicle, prompting officers to signal for the car to stop.

Instead, the vehicle allegedly sped away, leading officers on a pursuit that police say culminated in an extremely dangerous manoeuvre.

Car crossed into opposing carriageway

According to the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the driver crossed the central reservation and entered the opposing carriageway of the dual carriageway in an apparent attempt to evade officers.

The manoeuvre caused the vehicle to sustain damage that burst all four tyres, bringing it to a halt before anyone was seriously injured.

Police said both the driver and a passenger then abandoned the vehicle and ran into nearby fields, but were quickly detained by officers.

Driver faces multiple alleged offences

The driver, who police say holds only a provisional driving licence, was arrested on suspicion of:

• Dangerous driving

• Failing to stop for police

• Driving without insurance

• Driving without displaying L plates

• Driving unaccompanied

• Possession of an offensive weapon

He is expected to appear before the courts in the near future.

As with all criminal proceedings, the charges will be considered by the Public Prosecution Service.

Police warn of potentially fatal consequences

Reflecting on the incident, the PSNI said the decision to drive into the opposing carriageway could have had devastating consequences.

A spokesperson said:

“Crossing into the opposing carriageway of a dual carriageway is an unbelievably dangerous decision that could easily have resulted in innocent people losing their lives.”

They added:

“Thankfully, on this occasion, the only thing brought to a stop was the driver’s journey.”

The incident serves as a reminder of the serious risks posed by drivers who attempt to evade police, particularly on high-speed roads such as the A26, where split-second decisions can have life-changing consequences for other road users.