PSNI: Vehicles used “as weapons” in Cookstown and Jonesborough ramming incidents

Damage caused to the police vehicle during the incident in Jonesborough.

Two police vehicles were rammed in separate incidents in Cookstown and Jonesborough between Friday night and the early hours of Saturday morning, leaving two officers injured.

At around 7.50pm on Friday evening, officers on patrol in Beechview, Cookstown, signalled for a black Mercedes B class to stop. Instead of complying, the driver attempted a reversing manoeuvre before turning and driving straight at the police car.

The vehicle mounted a kerb and collided with the patrol vehicle before fleeing the scene.

Two officers sustained injuries during the collision and are now off duty.

In a separate incident in Jonesborough, shortly before 2am on Saturday morning, officers on patrol observed a van exiting a car park.

The driver then reversed back into the car park. When police approached, the van drove forward, striking the police vehicle before colliding with a pillar a short distance away. Officers arrested the driver on suspicion of a number of offences. He remains in custody.

Damage caused to the police vehicle during the incident in Jonesborough.

Inspector Alastair Macdonald of Newry, Mourne and Down Police said:

“These vehicles were, in effect, used as weapons against our officers. It is unacceptable that those working to keep their community safe should be targeted in this way.

“The police vehicles sustained damage and will now be off the road for repairs, which impacts on the local community. Those responsible should expect to be brought before the courts to face the consequences of their actions.

“Thankfully both officers in the vehicle were not seriously injured, our priority is their safety and welfare and, as an organisation, we will ensure support is available where it’s needed.”

Police have launched an investigation and are appealing for information. Anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage relating to either incident is urged to contact police on 101, quoting reference 142 of 27/09/25.

Reports can also be made online via the non-emergency reporting form at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.