Dramatic moments as armed police swoop in to make roadside arrest outside Cookstown

The video, which appeared on Facebook, shows two tactical officers forcibly escorting one man to their vehicle, while a second man was being held by police to the side of the road.

Around six officers appear to have been involved in the operation, in which it is understood two police cars swooped in on their target, closely passing another vehicle.

When they stopped the white VW car, a witness who said they had seen events leading up to what the video contains, told the Mail: “Police got out and tried co-operating with individuals, but they kicked at the officers and threw some punches.

“Police then had to use force but it seemed to aggravate the men more, pepper spray was used and I believe one armed response officer used a baton to defend himself.

“The stop happened on Dungannon Road at around 7.30pm.”

The PSNI reply to the arrest will follow later.