Shot fired as officer struck by stolen police car

A police officer has been seriously injured after he was knocked down by a stolen police car in Downpatrick, County Down.

The officer, who fired his gun during the incident, had been chasing a suspect after another vehicle failed to stop for police on Fountain Street.

When officers returned to their car in the Colmcille Road area, another man was in the driver's seat and he drove directly towards the officer, who fired one round before being struck by the police vehicle.

A 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

A senior officer from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) gave more details about her colleague who had been injured.

"Urgent medical treatment was provided at the scene by police colleagues, who were also supported by members of the local community," said ACC Melanie Jones.

She said the officer was taken to hospital by ambulance for treatment to his injuries which are believed to be "serious, but thankfully not life-threatening at this time".

The PSNI confirmed that the stolen police car, the officer's weapon and ammunition have all been taken away for forensic examination.

"As is standard procedure when a police firearm is drawn, the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has been informed - and their enquiries are ongoing," Jones added.

What happened in the Downpatrick incident?

The incident began at about 04:45 BST on Sunday after a vehicle failed to stop for a police in the Fountain Street area of Downpatrick.

After that police crew returned to their station, other PSNI colleagues later found the vehicle in the Ballymote Walk area of the town.

A man then ran from the vehicle and officers pursued him on foot towards the nearby Colmcille Road.

"As officers returned to their police car, someone was in the driver's seat - driving erratically and directly towards an officer," Jones said.

After the officer discharged one round from his weapon, he was struck by the stolen police car and needed assistance from his colleagues and ambulance staff.

The suspect then abandoned the police car and left the scene.

The incident unfolded over the course of about 45 minutes.

'A terrifying experience'

Jones confirmed that detectives from the PSNI's Serious Crime branch have launched an attempted murder investigation.

"This would have been a terrifying experience for the officer and also his colleagues - with the clear potential to cause life-changing or even fatal injuries," she said.

"Officers put themselves on the front line to help keep people safe - they do not deserve to be assaulted for simply doing their job, and today's incident is a stark reminder of the dangers they face.

"Our thoughts are with the officer as he receives ongoing medical treatment today for his injuries in hospital. And we will continue to support him and his family."

The PSNI appealed to anyone who has information, or CCTV, dash-cam or other footage of what happened to contact them.

'Lessons must be learned'

Northern Ireland's Secretary of State Hilary Benn said he was "appalled by the shocking incident".

"Police officers put themselves in harm's way every day to keep our communities safe, and any attack on those who serve the public is an attack on us all," he said.

Speaking to BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster programme, South Down MP Chris Hazzard said the community is "shocked and appalled".

"There was distress, there was a level of alarm – just general shock that something like this could happen.

The main concern is for the wellbeing of the officers and I really do wish them a full and speedy recovery," Hazzard said.

South Down assembly member Cathy Mason said the"reckless and dangerous incident" has caused "deep concern across our community".

"The people of Downpatrick want to see those responsible held accountable," the Sinn Féin MLA added, as she wished the injured officer a "full and speedy recovery".

Policing Board member Trevor Clark, from the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), described it as a "shocking and disgraceful attack on a police officer".

"No officer should face the prospect of being targeted in this way while protecting the public," he said.

South Down MLA Colin McGrath, from the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) said it was "totally unacceptable" that the officer's life was put at risk.

He wished him a speed recovery but called for a full review of the incident "to understand how this happened".

"A police car being stolen is very serious, particularly given firearms and ammunition were present, and lessons must be learned from this," McGrath said.

Policing Board Chair, Brendan Mullan, described it as an "extremely serious and reckless incident" and the officer survived what was a "life-threatening situation".

"This incident also provides a very serious reminder of the dangers officers can face in their service to the community," he added.

The Police Ombudsman's Office confirmed that its investigators had attended the scene of the shooting, in line with standard procedures.

"We have been gathering relevant information, including any available video evidence, to assess the circumstances," said its director of investigations, Nikki Davis.

"Our thoughts are with the police officer who has been injured during the incident in Downpatrick and their colleague who was present," she added.