Overview
- Police say a vehicle failed to stop and, after officers chased a man on foot, someone drove a stolen PSNI car directly at an officer who fired one round before being struck in Downpatrick on Sunday.
- The officer suffered serious but not life‑threatening injuries and has been reported to be recovering well in hospital.
- A 36‑year‑old man remains in custody on suspicion of attempted murder and aggravated vehicle taking while 27‑year‑old Kieran Turley has been remanded on charges of dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and using an uninsured vehicle; Turley was released from suspicion of attempted murder.
- Police recovered the stolen car, the officer’s firearm and ammunition and have sent them for forensic examination, and the Police Ombudsman has begun an independent inquiry into the discharge of the officer’s weapon.
- Senior political and policing figures have condemned the attack and detectives are asking the public for CCTV and phone footage as the PPS will review any prosecution decisions and authorities consider the wider rise in attacks and vehicle‑ramming incidents against officers.