High-speed chase in excess of 100mph in Coleraine ends in arrest as police deploy stinger device

A dramatic high-speed chase unfolded in Coleraine yesterday afternoon when a black Seat Leon fled from police at speeds exceeding 100mph, prompting a swift response from specially trained officers.

The incident, which occurred on Drumcroon Road, culminated in the deployment of a stinger device to halt the vehicle, leading to the driver’s arrest on multiple charges.

The pursuit began just before 2:30pm on Thursday, 15 May, when police officers, conducting routine patrols in the Drumcroon Road area, signalled for the vehicle to stop.

According to Chief Inspector McManus, “The driver of the vehicle, a black Seat Leon, did not stop for police when signalled to do so.” Instead, the driver accelerated, reaching dangerous speeds and triggering a police pursuit.

Specially trained officers initiated a controlled chase, prioritising public safety while working to apprehend the suspect. The operation reached a critical point when police deployed a stinger device—a spiked strip designed to puncture tyres and safely stop vehicles.

The device successfully brought the Seat Leon to a halt, allowing officers to detain the driver shortly afterward.

The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, was arrested on suspicion of several offences, including dangerous driving, possession of a Class A drug, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, and resisting police.

“He was taken to custody, where he remains at this time,” Chief Inspector McManus confirmed.

A Threat to Public Safety

The incident has raised significant concerns about road safety, particularly given the timing of the chase during daylight hours when Coleraine’s roads were busy with traffic.

Chief Inspector McManus highlighted the risks posed by the driver’s actions:

“The driver has not only put themselves at risk by driving at such dangerous speeds but also members of the public, particularly during daylight hours when the roads were busy.”

Speeding, as demonstrated in this incident, is one of the “Fatal Five”—the five primary factors contributing to fatal road collisions in Northern Ireland. These include driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, excessive speed, careless driving, not wearing a seatbelt, and using a mobile phone while driving.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has repeatedly urged drivers to adhere to these safety principles to prevent avoidable tragedies on the roads.

“Speeding is one of the Fatal Five, the main contributory reasons why people are dying on our roads,” Chief Inspector McManus stated. “You have the power to keep yourself and everyone else on the road safe. Play your part, slow down and help save lives.”

#OpLifesaver: A New Approach to Road Safety

The Coleraine chase occurred a s the PSNI continue under the banner of Operation Lifesaver, the recently launched initiative aimed at tackling speeding and improving road safety across Northern Ireland.

The operation involves increased police presence on roads, with officers conducting targeted safety operations to deter dangerous driving behaviours.

“Under Operation Lifesaver—which is the Service’s new approach to speeding—the public should expect to see officers on our roads conducting safety operations,” Chief Inspector McManus explained.

The initiative reflects a proactive commitment to reducing road fatalities and injuries by addressing high-risk behaviours like those exhibited in Thursday’s incident.

Operation Lifesaver has garnered attention on social media, with the hashtag #OpLifesaver used to raise awareness about the campaign and encourage public cooperation in making roads safer. The PSNI is calling on drivers to take personal responsibility for their actions behind the wheel, emphasising that simple choices—such as obeying speed limits—can have life-saving consequences.

The Fatal Five: A Call to Action

The Coleraine incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with the Fatal Five. The PSNI defines these as:

•  Don’t drink or take drugs and drive: Impaired driving significantly increases the risk of collisions.

•  Slow down: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and amplifies crash severity.

•  Don’t be careless: Inattentive or reckless driving endangers everyone on the road.

•  Always wear your seatbelt: Seatbelts save lives by reducing the risk of injury in a crash.

•  Never use your mobile phone while driving: Distractions like texting or calling divert attention from the road.

By adhering to these guidelines, drivers can play a critical role in reducing the number of road deaths and injuries in Northern Ireland. The PSNI’s message is clear: road safety is a shared responsibility, and every motorist has the power to make a difference.

As Chief Inspector McManus urged, “Play your part, slow down and help save lives.”