Two PSNI officers injured after police vehicle rammed in Maghera

Two officers were injured and a man arrested after a police vehicle was rammed in the Maghera area last night, Tuesday, November 18.

At around 10.20pm police received a report of a van speeding and swerving dangerously on the Glenshane Pass. Upon police arrival the van was noted to be travelling on the wrong side of the carriageway, towards oncoming traffic.

The 18 year-old male driver then deliberately drove the van at the police vehicle, ramming it and injuring the officers.

Police were still able to bring the van to a tactical stop and arrest the driver who had attempted to flee the scene on foot.

He was subsequently questioned on suspicion of offences including driving with excess alcohol, dangerous driving, failing to stop for police and possession of class B controlled drug and will return for further questioning at a later date.

Mid Ulster District Commander Superintendent Peter Stevenson said: "To be inside a vehicle which is deliberately rammed at speed is an extremely scary and traumatising experience for any police officer to go through. It is a testament to the courage of our people that they willingly place themselves in situations where they are at risk, in order to protect members of the public from harm.”