A police officer was seriously injured as a police vehicle is stolen and a shot is fired in Downpatrick
A major incident has unfolded in Downpatrick this morning 31st May.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has launched an attempted murder investigation after an officer was struck by a stolen police vehicle in Downpatrick.
Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones said: “At approximately 4.45am this morning, Sunday 31st May, a vehicle failed to stop for police in the Fountain Street area – it was later located in the Ballymote Walk area.
“Officers observed a man running from the vehicle and a foot pursuit ensued towards the Colmcille Road.
“As officers returned to their police car, someone was in the driver’s seat – driving erratically and directly towards an officer. The officer discharged one round from his firearm.
“The officer was struck by the vehicle – causing serious injuries. The vehicle was subsequently abandoned a short time later. The suspect made off from the scene.
“Urgent medical treatment was provided at the scene by police colleagues, who were also supported by members of the local community.
“The officer was taken to hospital by colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service for treatment to his injuries believed to be serious, but thankfully not life-threatening at this time.
“As part of our enquiries, a 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in custody at this time.”
The police vehicle, officer’s weapon and ammunition have all been recovered and removed for forensic examination.
Assistant Chief Constable Jones continued: “As is standard procedure when a police firearm is drawn, the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has been informed – and their enquiries are ongoing.
“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.
“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.
“Actions were taken this morning in defence of life to protect himself and fellow officers.
“Detectives from our Serious Crime branch have now launched an attempted murder investigation – with their enquiries continuing at pace.
“We would ask anyone who has information, or who has CCTV, dash-cam or other footage of what happened to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 317 31/05/26.”
A report can also be made online via:
www.psni.police.uk/makeareport
Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at:
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Justice Minister Expresses Sympathy To Injured Police Officer
Long says police face danger each day and pays tribute to their professionalism and courage
Justice Minister Naomi Long expressed her reaction to the incident in Downpatrick and said: “My thoughts are first and foremost with the injured officer, as well as their family and colleagues. I have no doubt this was a distressing experience for all the officers at the scene.
“I hope the injured officer recovers quickly from their injuries.
“This incident highlights once again the danger our police officers face each and every time they put on a uniform.
“They place themselves in harms’ way to keep our communities safe and I wish to pay tribute to their professionalism and courage.
“I would urge anyone with any information to contact police.”
Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason Shocked At Incident In Downpatrick
The local community is shocked following the serious incident in Downpatrick says Mason.
Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has said people across Downpatrick are shocked following a serious incident in the town in the early hours of Sunday morning, which has left a police officer in hospital.
Speaking today, the South Down MLA said:
“The news that a police officer has sustained serious injuries following an incident in Downpatrick has caused deep concern across our community.
“I want to wish the injured officer a full and speedy recovery and extend my thoughts to their family and colleagues at what will be a difficult time.
“The people of Downpatrick want to see those responsible held accountable for this reckless and dangerous incident.
“Anyone with information should come forward to the PSNI.”
McGrath Says Full Review Of Incident Is Needed
McGrath says full review needed following Downpatrick incident
SDLP Policing Board member Colin McGrath has condemned an incident in Downpatrick which saw a police car stolen and an officer seriously injured.
He said a full review was needed into what took place.
South Down MLA Colin McGrath said: “This appears to have been a disturbing and shocking incident in Downpatrick resulting in a police car being stolen and a shot being fired at a suspect, before an officer was hit and badly hurt.
“I would expect a full review of what took place during this incident to understand how this happened, in line with Police Ombudsman processes. A police car being stolen is very serious, particularly given firearms and ammunition were present, and lessons must be learned from this.
“There can be no justification for these scenes, those involved should have cooperated fully with the police when initially stopped in Fountain Street.
“Instead the life of an officer was put at risk and this it totally unacceptable. I hope that the officer makes a full and speedy recovery.
“I would urge anybody with any information to contact police.”
Alliance Councillor Jill Tuesdale condemns Downpatrick Attack
Truesdale says attack was reprehensible and reckless
Alliance Mournes Councillor Jill Truesdale has condemned an attack on police that took place in the Colmcille Road area of Downpatrick in the early hours of this morning (31st May), calling it ‘utterly reprehensible’.
The incident involved the stealing of a police car which was then driven towards officers at the scene, and saw one officer sustain serious injuries.
A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
Cllr Truesdale has said: “First and foremost, I want to extend my thoughts and sympathies to the officer left injured, their family, and to those other officers present at the scene.
“I hope they receive all the support they need in the wake of this totally reckless, utterly reprehensible attack.
“This has come as a shock to the local community here, especially to see such an incident taking place in what is a largely residential area.
“No one should be subject to this kind of danger on the job, not least those who are tasked with keeping us all safe, and whilst we can only be glad the situation didn’t end more tragically, what we’ve seen here is totally unacceptable.
“I wish the injured officer a speedy recovery.”
McMurray tells Assembly of ‘shocking attack’ on a police officer
South Down Alliance MLA says daily danger is a reality for police officers
In a Member’s Statement delivered before the Assembly today, Andrew McMurray MLA has condemned what he described as “a shocking attack” on a PSNI officer in Downpatrick, who was struck by a stolen police vehicle.
The officer in question sustained serious injuries, which required hospital treatment. An attempted murder investigation is now underway.
The South Down MLA commented: “Unfortunately, this is a reality for PSNI officers who put themselves in harm’s way every single day to keep everyone in the community safe. It is wholly unacceptable.
“I want to thank the victim’s PSNI colleagues, who provided urgent medical treatment at the scene, and the colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, who further cared for him and took him to hospital.
“I also want to highlight and thank members of the public who provided help and support at the scene. I am sure that this demonstration of support from the community was much appreciated by the officers present, who must have been very shaken by the experience.
“Finally, I want to take this opportunity to wish the injured officer and his family well, and I pray that he makes a full recovery.”
