LORRY STRIKES POLICE CAR IN COUNTY DOWN, INJURING THREE OFFICERS

Police said a blue articulated lorry struck a patrol car during a pursuit in County Down on Saturday night, injuring three officers. Chief Inspector Will Brown said officers did not believe their injuries were serious. He said the collision extensively damaged the police car. Brown said the lorry drove at speed on the wrong side of the road before it struck the vehicle.

Police received a report at about 23:25 on 17 October that a lorry was swerving on Moygannon Road near Warrenpoint, Brown said. Officers found a lorry matching the description on Derryleckagh Road in Newry. They signalled it to stop, but the driver continued and officers began a short pursuit. After striking the patrol car, the lorry continued towards Rostrevor. Brown said it stopped in the Water Street area of the town.

The driver ran from the lorry, and officers detained him after a short foot chase, Brown said. Police arrested him on suspicion of dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and driving while unfit through drink or drugs. Brown said the man remained in custody while enquiries continued. He added: “Thankfully, no one sustained more serious injuries during this incident, including officers and other road users.”