Man charged after officer hit by stolen police car

A man is set to appear in court later on Monday after an officer was struck by a stolen police car.

The officer is described as having sustained serious injuries following the incident in Downpatrick at the weekend.

On Monday, police said a 27-year-old has been charged with dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and using a motor vehicle with no insurance.

He is due to appear before Downpatrick Magistrates’ Court later.

Police said the man was bailed to allow for further inquiries in respect of driving whilst unfit, and aggravated vehicle taking causing injury and released unconditionally in respect of attempted murder and a number of driving related offences.

As is usual procedure, the charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

Meanwhile, a further two arrests were made.

A 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and aggravated vehicle taking causing injury, and a 27-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and failing to stop for police.

Both remained in custody on Monday morning.