ATTEMPTED MURDER PROBE AFTER POLICE OFFICER STRUCK BY STOLEN VEHICLE IN CO DOWN

An attempted murder investigation has been launched after a police officer was seriously injured when he was struck by a stolen vehicle during an incident in County Down.

A 27-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the case and remains in custody as detectives continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Incident Began During Vehicle Stop

According to police, the situation began in the early hours of the morning when officers attempted to stop a vehicle suspected of being stolen.

The driver allegedly failed to comply and fled the scene, prompting a rapid response and a foot pursuit by officers in the area.

The pursuit escalated as additional units were deployed to support the operation.

Officer Struck During Pursuit

Police say the stolen vehicle was later driven directly towards an officer during the incident.

The officer was struck and sustained serious injuries as a result of the collision.

Emergency services were immediately called to the scene, and colleagues provided urgent medical assistance before paramedics arrived.

Hospital Treatment and Condition

The injured officer was transported to hospital for further treatment.

Medical officials have confirmed that while his injuries are serious, they are not believed to be life-threatening.

Police leaders have expressed relief that the officer survived the incident, while also acknowledging the severity of the attack.

Arrest and Investigation Underway

A 27-year-old suspect was arrested shortly after the incident on suspicion of attempted murder and related driving offences.

He is currently being held in custody as detectives continue questioning and gather evidence.

Forensic specialists have been deployed to examine:

• The stolen vehicle involved
• Roadside evidence from the scene
• Any CCTV or dashcam footage from the area
• Items recovered during the arrest operation

Attempted Murder Probe Launched

Authorities have confirmed that the case is being treated as attempted murder due to the circumstances in which the vehicle was allegedly used against an officer.

Investigators are working to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the collision.

Police have also appealed to the public for any witnesses or footage that may assist the inquiry.

Support for Injured Officer

Senior police officials have expressed strong support for the injured officer and his family.

They highlighted the dangers faced by officers responding to incidents involving stolen vehicles and fast-moving pursuits.

Colleagues across the force have also sent messages of support and recovery wishes.

Community Appeal

Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues.

Even small details, they say, could help establish a clearer picture of what happened during the incident.

A routine vehicle stop that escalated into a serious attack on an officer.
A suspect now in custody facing attempted murder allegations.
And an investigation continuing to uncover exactly what happened in Co Down.