White Audi A3 rams PSNI vehicles in Portadown and Newry following robbery in Lisburn
Suspects in a getaway vehicle involved in a robbery on Saturday in Lisburn rammed police cars in pursuit of them in Portadown and Newry before making off across the border.
The vehicle was also spotted being driven on the wrong side of the road and around a roundabout the wrong way.
Police received a report at approximately 2.45pm on Saturday, March 7 that two men had entered a newsagents in the Milltown Avenue area of Lisburn.
The suspects jumped over the counter and started taking money from a till. One of the men also waved a metal object towards a staff member.
A PSNI spokesperson said: "Thankfully, no injuries were reported – staff were left badly shaken and upset by what happened, however.”
The suspects then fled the store with the cash as well as a handbag from a staff member and made off in a white Audi A3.
Both men are described as being aged in their 30s, with the first man approximately 5' 9", who was wearing a brown collared hooded parka with fur trim.
The second man is around 5' 7" and was wearing a black beanie hat, black jumper, turquoise t-shirt, blue jeans and black trainers.
"However, we believe there were other occupants in the vehicle as well as the two suspects directly involved in the robbery,” the police spokesperson added.
The getaway vehicle was noted at several points driving at speed, driving on the wrong side of the road, going around a roundabout the wrong way and refusing to stop for police.
Items were thrown out of the window at police, including bottles of alcohol and a steel chisel.
A police pursuit ensued with the suspect vehicle ramming police patrol cars in both the Portadown and Newry areas before making over the border.
"Thankfully our officers reported minor injuries, However, we could have been looking at much more serious consequences today, and those officers are being appropriately supported,” the PSNI spokesperson said.
"Our enquiries are continuing, and we are working with colleagues in An Garda Síochána as the investigation continues.”
Anyone with information that could help, including dashcam, CCTV or mobile phone footage, is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 893 07/03/26.