South Armagh: Police patrol vehicle rammed

Image source, PSNI

Two Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officers have been left "shaken" and were taken to hospital after their patrol vehicle was rammed in south Armagh.

It happened at about 15:15 GMT on Friday in Chapel View in Crossmaglen.

They were alerted to a suspicious vehicle, a black BMW X5, which was seen in a nearby carpark.

As officers approached the car, it was rammed into the patrol car, causing extensive bumper damage.

A chase ensued and officers followed the vehicle and attempted to block it in.

A man, believed to be aged in his 40s, got out of the rear of the vehicle and made off from the scene, before the car was driven off and scraped the side of the police car.

The driver of the car is described as being "in his 20s, of heavy build, with dark hair and was wearing a dark-coloured top".

A police investigation is now under way and a PSNI inspector said they officers liaising with colleagues in An Garda S铆och谩na (Irish police).

'Reckless act'

"Both officers have been left badly shaken by what happened and have required hospital treatment for their injuries," a PSNI spokesperson said.

Image source, PSNI

Image caption, The PSNI says repairs will have to be carried out on the car

"Repairs will need to be carried out to our response vehicle before it can be used again.

"Our officers were working to keep people safe when this reckless act occurred and attacks like these should be wholly condemned."

Police are appealing for anyone who saw the black BMW X5, or captured dash-cam footage of its movements, or who knows of its location now, to get in touch.