A Downpatrick police officer was seriously injured after being struck by a stolen police car; he fired one round during the incident. The episode began at about 04:45 BST when a vehicle failed to stop on Fountain Street and continued after the car was later found in Ballymote Walk. A 27‑year‑old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and the PSNI's Serious Crime Branch is investigating. The officer was treated at the scene and taken to hospital; his injuries are described as serious but not life‑threatening.
Officer Fires Shot Before Being Struck By Stolen Police Car In Downpatrick
Another vehicle failed to stop on Fountain Steet, Downpatrick [BBC]
A police officer in Downpatrick, County Down, has been seriously injured after being struck by a stolen police vehicle, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said. The officer discharged one round during the incident and later received urgent medical treatment at the scene before being taken to hospital; his injuries are described as serious but not believed to be life‑threatening.
What Happened
The episode began at about 04:45 BST on Sunday when officers attempted to stop a vehicle on Fountain Street that failed to comply. The same vehicle was later located by other PSNI officers in the Ballymote Walk area of Downpatrick.
A police cordon was set up at Colmcille Road [BBC]
A man ran from the vehicle and was pursued on foot by officers toward Colmcille Road. When officers returned to their patrol car, a different man was in the driver's seat of the police vehicle. That man drove the stolen police car directly toward one of the officers, who discharged a single round before being struck by the vehicle.
"Urgent medical treatment was provided at the scene by police colleagues, who were also supported by members of the local community," said Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones.
Medical Care and Arrest
Colleagues and ambulance staff gave the injured officer immediate assistance; he was then taken to hospital by ambulance. A 27‑year‑old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. The suspect abandoned the stolen police car and fled the scene before later being detained.
Ombudsman investigators have been gathering video footage of the incident [BBC]
Evidence, Inquiry And Investigation
The PSNI confirmed the stolen vehicle, the officer's service weapon and ammunition have been recovered and sent for forensic examination. As is standard when a police firearm is discharged, the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has been informed and its enquiries are ongoing. Detectives from the PSNI's Serious Crime Branch have launched an attempted murder investigation.
Community And Political Reactions
Senior figures and local representatives condemned the attack. Northern Ireland's Secretary of State Hilary Benn described the incident as "shocking," while local politicians from Sinn Féin, the DUP and the SDLP expressed concern and called for those responsible to be held to account. PSNI leaders paid tribute to the officer and pledged continued support for him and his family.
Appeal For Witnesses
The PSNI has asked anyone with information or relevant footage — including CCTV or dash‑cam recordings from the Fountain Street, Ballymote Walk or Colmcille Road areas — to come forward to assist detectives with their inquiries.
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