Two police officers injured after patrol car repeatedly rammed during Londonderry pursuit

Two police officers have been injured and a patrol vehicle significantly damaged after a car was allegedly used to repeatedly ram police during a pursuit in Londonderry.

A 23-year-old man was arrested following the incident on Thursday evening, 27 August, on suspicion of offences including attempted grievous bodily harm with intent, dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.

Police said District Support Team officers had been carrying out proactive patrols in the Waterside area when they observed a vehicle without valid insurance which they believed was being driven by a disqualified driver.

Car pursued towards city centre

Derry City and Strabane District Superintendent McIldowney said:

“Shortly after 8.30pm, police signalled for the car to stop within the vicinity of the Foyle Bridge, however the driver made off towards the city centre and was subsequently pursued by trained officers.

“The vehicle was later seen entering the Rossnagalliagh Park area and pursued once again.

“The driver proceeded to ram a police vehicle a number of times, causing significant damage and injuring both of the officers inside.

“Armed Support Unit attended and using tactical contact, apprehended the car.”

Police said the 23-year-old was subsequently arrested on suspicion of a number of offences, including attempted grievous bodily harm with intent, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, failing to stop for police and possession of a Class A controlled drug.

He remained in police custody at the time of the latest update.

Four officers injured in two incidents

Police have highlighted that Thursday night’s incident was the second ramming involving a police vehicle this week.

Two officers were also injured following a similar incident on Ballycolin Road in Dunmurry on Tuesday, 25 August. Police said two men were charged to court following that incident.

Superintendent McIldowney said the two incidents have left four officers injured and three police vehicles off the road.

“As a result of the behaviour of individuals, four officers have been injured and three police vehicles are now off the road, which could have been used to prevent crime,” he said.

“Thankfully, our officers were not seriously injured, however, it is unacceptable that people working to keep their community safe should be targeted in this way. The damaged police vehicles will now have an impact on our ability to carry out our duties on behalf of the local community.

“Police will not tolerate reckless and dangerous driving and will continue to ensure those who pose a danger to the public are taken off our roads.”

While neither officer was seriously injured in Thursday night’s incident, police say the loss of another operational vehicle will have consequences for resources available to officers serving the community.