Two arrested after car crashes into police vehicle in Newtownhamilton

Q Newsdesk

Two police officers have escaped injury after another vehicle crashed into their patrol car in Newtownhamilton.

Police were alerted to reports of a black Audi speeding on the Keady Road at around 2 this morning.

A short time later, they saw the vehicle in question on the Armagh road and signaled for the driver to stop.

However the Audi continued on and collided with the police car before driving off again.

Two men aged 22 and 24 were later arrested on suspicion of a number of traffic-related offences, including dangerous driving, driving with excess alcohol in breath, and failing to stop for police.

Both officers were unharmed but the police car was slightly damaged.

Prompt team work sees 2 men arrested after police vehicle rammed in Newtonhamilton. Thankfully no injuries @PoliceServiceNI @PoliceFedforNI @PSNINMDown pic.twitter.com/zf7XkOINWn

— Simon Byrne (@ChiefConPSNI) November 9, 2019

Chief Inspector Barney O'Connor said:

"As police officers were on mobile patrol on Keady Road in Newtownhamilton they were alerted about a Black Audi vehicle that was reportedly first observed at around 2:10am being driven with excessive speed."

"At around 2:45am, the vehicle was observed on the Armagh Road. Police signalled for the driver to stop using their blue flashing lights but, as the Audi continued on, it collided with the police car and then drove off."

"Due the quick response and work of our officers last night, after a short pursuit on foot a 22-years old man was arrested and, roughly 30 minutes later, police arrested a second man, aged  24. "

“Both men were arrested on suspicion of a number of traffic-related offences, including dangerous driving, driving with excess alcohol in breath and failing to stop for police. Both men remain in custody this morning assisting us with our enquiries. "

"Our police vehicle suffered slight damage to its side, and thankfully, our two officers who were in the car were not injured. "