Northern Ireland

PSNI officer injured attempting to stop a vehicle for drug search

Police officer’s arm was pinned between the vehicle and a police car in the Kilmascally Road area of Ardboe

Shots have been fired at a house in Ardboe, Co Tyrone
Police officer injured as arm pinned between police vehicle and reversing car.
By Catherine McGinty

A police officer has been injured attempting to detain a driver for a search of their vehicle under the misuse of drugs act.

The police officer’s arm was pinned between the vehicle and a police car, in the Kilmascally Road area of Ardboe, outside Dungannon, at 9.50pm, on Saturday.

A PSNI spokesperson said, the driver then reversed back at speed, dragging the officer along for a short distance before colliding with the stationary police vehicle causing some damage.

They added: “The officer’s arm was pinned between the police vehicle and the driver’s side of the dark-coloured vehicle. The driver then reversed again, and the officer was able to move. The driver ignored the officer’s instructions to stop and made off at speed.

“The officer attended hospital for assessment to an arm and hand injury.”

Chief Inspector Daniel McPhillips said: “Our officer has received welfare support, but his injuries could easily have been much more serious.

“Assaults on our officers are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Last night, our officer was striving to detect illegal use and supply of illegal drugs which cause devastation to individuals, families and communities.

“Our officers are here to help and respond to calls assisting people. Assaults on police are unacceptable and must not be tolerated as simply being ‘part of the job’.”