Man arrested after high-speed police chase of stolen BMW on M1

A 24-year-old man has been arrested following a dramatic high-speed police pursuit involving a stolen vehicle initially spotted near the Northern Ireland border.

The black BMW, reported stolen from the Dublin area on Sunday 4 May, was first seen travelling on the A1 outside Jonesborough on the afternoon of Saturday 10 May.

The cross-border incident prompted a coordinated response by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), supported by aerial surveillance.

Chief Superintendent Mark Roberts said:

“Officers were made aware this afternoon, Saturday 10th May, that a black BMW which had been reported stolen from the Dublin area on Sunday, 4th May by our colleagues in An Garda Síochána, was travelling on the A1 outside Jonesborough.

“Specially trained Interceptor officers were able to track the vehicle with the overhead assistance of our Air Support Unit.”

To avoid a potentially dangerous pursuit through busy weekend traffic, PSNI Roads Policing officers deployed a stinger device near Hillsborough. Despite the successful deployment, the driver continued to flee on deflated tyres at speeds exceeding 80mph along the M1 motorway.

“The manner of driving was extremely hazardous, weaving in and out of traffic and even, at times, continuing along the hard shoulder,” Chief Superintendent Roberts explained.

The pursuit concluded when officers from the PSNI Armed Response Unit executed a controlled stop in a citybound lane of the M1, between Lisburn and Black’s Road. The suspect was arrested on multiple charges, including failing to stop for police, dangerous driving, handling stolen goods, and driving without a licence or insurance.

Chief Superintendent Roberts confirmed:

“The driver, a 24-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of failing to stop for police, dangerous driving, handling stolen good, no licence and no insurance. He remains in custody at this time.”

One police vehicle sustained minor damage during the incident, and an officer sustained hand injuries while extracting the suspect from the damaged car. Fortunately, the officer did not require hospital treatment and was able to remain on duty.

Chief Superintendent Roberts praised the collective efforts of the responding units:

“We, alongside our cross-border partner organisations, remain committed to disrupting the activities of those involved in criminal activity.

“This arrest was the result of the fantastic collective efforts of officers and staff from across our service, and demonstrates the lengths we go to each day, working together to make our communities safer.”

The incident highlights ongoing cooperation between PSNI and An Garda Síochána in tackling cross-border crime and maintaining public safety.