Police officer suffers suspected broken nose in violent attack during drink-driving arrest in Co Fermanagh

A police officer is receiving medical treatment and welfare support after sustaining what is believed to be a broken nose and a number of other injuries during a violent assault while carrying out routine patrol duties in County Fermanagh overnight.

The incident happened in Maguiresbridge in the early hours of Friday morning after officers stopped to check on a vehicle that had come to a halt in the overtaking lane of a main road with its hazard lights activated.

The officer, who was on proactive patrol with a colleague, was attacked after arresting a man on suspicion of drink-driving.

Routine check escalates into violent assault

Police said the officers were travelling along the Belfast Road in Maguiresbridge at approximately 2.45am on Friday, 3 July, when they noticed a blue Audi stationary in the overtaking lane of the carriageway.

Concerned that the driver may have required assistance, officers approached the vehicle to investigate.

On speaking to the driver, who was the sole occupant of the car, officers discovered he was intoxicated.

A roadside breath test was carried out and the driver was found to be more than two and a half times the legal alcohol limit.

The 44-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving.

Officer allegedly struck in the face during arrest

Police say the situation escalated as the man was being placed into the rear of a police vehicle.

During the arrest process, the suspect allegedly struck out at one of the officers and attempted to headbutt him.

He then allegedly began kicking violently and repeatedly struck the officer in the face.

The constable suffered injuries including what is believed to be a broken nose.

The suspect was subsequently further arrested on suspicion of assaulting police and resisting arrest.

Stolen vehicle and insurance offences uncovered

Further checks carried out by officers revealed that the Audi being driven had been reported stolen.

As a result, the man was additionally arrested on suspicion of taking and driving away a vehicle without consent.

Police also arrested him on suspicion of driving without insurance.

The 44-year-old remains in police custody on Friday afternoon while enquiries continue.

Police condemn attack on frontline officers

Chief Inspector Graham Dodds said the incident highlighted the dangers officers can face while carrying out even the most routine aspects of policing.

He said:

“Local police officers put themselves on the frontline to keep the people of Fermanagh and Omagh safe, and this instance proves that sadly they can face acts of violence at any time in the course of their duties – this can never be thought acceptable.

“This was someone who had been arrested on suspicion of drink-driving, whose actions in getting behind the wheel could have had unthinkable consequences, who then, when caught, turned on the police officers who were out in the dead of night, working hard for the local community.

“No one deserves to be attacked for simply doing their job, and today’s incident is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by police, even in the most unassuming of settings.”

Police confirmed the injured officer is receiving appropriate medical care alongside welfare support following the incident.

The investigation remains ongoing and the suspect continues to be held in custody while detectives consider the offences under investigation.