Banbridge: PSNI vehicle rammed by BMW X5 and left 'substantially damaged'
Police officers have escaped injury after their patrol vehicle was rammed in Banbridge.
The incident happened on Thursday night at around 9.30pm in Commercial Road.
Police received a report that a black BMW X5 was driving erratically in the Scarva Street area.
Officers attended the scene and observed the vehicle parked in a car park in the Commercial Road area of the town.
As they approached, the driver of the vehicle drove around the police car and deliberately collided with it, causing substantial damage.
A PSNI spokesperson said: “The vehicle then failed to stop for police and a police chase ensued after it left the car park in the direction of Linenhall Street.
"A short time later the car was detected in the Hunters Hill Park area of Gilford – with the suspect sitting nearby who appeared to be intoxicated.”
The man, aged 34, was subsequently arrested on suspicion of a number of offences including driving with excess alcohol in breath, failing to provide specimen of breath for preliminary breath, and dangerous driving.
"He remains in custody at this time as enquiries continue into the investigation,” added the police spokesperson.
"We’re appealing to anyone who saw the black BMW X5, or captured dashcam footage of its movements to get in touch with us by calling 101, and quoting reference number 1657 05/09/24.”