Two police officers in Derry escaped serious injury after their vehicle was rammed in the Galliagh area of the city this afternoon.
Two Local Policing Team officers were on patrol in the area at approximately 12.20pm when, as they were travelling on Skeoge Link Road, a black Audi A4 rammed their vehicle, causing substantial damage to the side. The driver of the Audi drove away from the scene.
This afternoon, officers from Ballyarnett Neighbourhood Policing Team arrested a 25-year-old man on suspicion of several offences, including dangerous driving, and he remains in police custody.
The PSNI say during the course of their enquiries, they received a report that a black Audi A4 was involved in a road traffic collision with another vehicle – a black Volkswagen Polo – at around the same time, 12.20pm, in the area of the Ballyarnett Roundabout. It was reported damage was caused to the Polo and, while the occupants – a woman and child – were left badly shaken, no injuries have been reported. They’re investigating a possible link between the two incidents
Police say they are are liaising with gardai in Donegal, and are urging anyone who saw the Black Audi A4, or captured dash cam footage of its movements, or who knows of its location now, to make contact.
A report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/
Inspector Gahan added: “At this time, we’re grateful neither officer has sustained any serious injuries. However, both officers have sustained minor injuries consistent with being involved in a road traffic collision and they have also been left badly shaken, and were unable to complete their duties today. As a result of this incident, our vehicle will be off the road for several weeks for repairs, which means we have one less car at our disposal to respond to incidents and help people when they call us. Our officers were working to keep people safe when this reckless act occurred and attacks like these should be condemned by all.”
