Woman arrested after officer struck by stolen police car, released on bail

A woman arrested in connection with an incident in Downpatrick, County Down, on Sunday in which a police officer fired his gun and was also seriously injured when he was hit by a stolen police car, has been released on bail to allow for further enquiries.

The 27-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and failing to stop for police.

Police said a 36-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and aggravated vehicle taking causing injury remains in custody.

A man appeared at Downpatrick Magistrates' Court on Monday in relation to the same incident.

Kieran Turley, 27, from Vianstown Road in Downpatrick, was charged with dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and using a motor vehicle with no insurance.

Bail was refused and Turley will appear again in court on 25 June.

The incident began at about 04:45 BST on Sunday after a vehicle failed to stop for a police in the Fountain Street area of Downpatrick.

After that police crew returned to their station, other Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) colleagues later found the vehicle in the Ballymote Walk area of the town.

A man then ran from the vehicle and officers pursued him on foot towards the nearby Colmcille Road.

"As officers returned to their police car, someone was in the driver's seat - driving erratically and directly towards an officer," said Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones.

After the officer discharged one round from his weapon, he was struck by the stolen police car and needed assistance from his colleagues and ambulance staff.

The suspect then abandoned the police car and left the scene.

The incident unfolded over the course of about 45 minutes.

PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said he spoke with the injured officer on Monday morning.

He said the officer was "recovering well despite some horrible injuries".