A cross-border hunt is underway for a suspect after two police officers were injured when their patrol car was rammed in Derry city.
Police Derry City and Strabane say: “This is the damage caused to one of our vehicles which happened when our officers were responding to a report of a suspected drink-driver in the city centre this morning, Monday, October 21).
“Two of our officers were injured as a result of this.
“Shortly after midnight, we received a report of a suspected drink-driver in a silver-coloured Mercedes on Shipquay Street.
“Officers responded, and located a vehicle matching the description of this vehicle being driven on Strand Road.
“Officers signalled for the driver to stop, using their blue lights and siren, but it failed to do so, driving on at speed.
“A police pursuit followed with officers deploying a stinger device close to Pennyburn Roundabout, however, the vehicle continued on at speed.
“The suspect vehicle subsequently rammed into the rear nearside door of the police vehicle causing damage and continued at speed towards the Donegal border.
“The vehicle was located a short time later by colleagues in An Garda Síochána, abandoned.
“As enquiries continue to locate the driver we’re appealing to anyone with information or who may have captured any relevant dash cam or doorbell footage that could assist our enquiries to call 101, quoting reference 6 of 21/10/24.
“You can also report online via https://orlo.uk/itNJx or call Crimestopper, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.”
Inspector Mailey said: “Two police officers injured as a result of this incident were able to continue on duty and finish their shift.
“Our officers were working hard to keep their local community safe when this reckless act occurred, and they were injured. That is completely unacceptable.
“The police vehicle will now be off the road for repairs, which impacts on the local community. If you have information which can help our enquiries please report it.”
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