Man arrested after crashing into wall and police cars in Newry

By Brett Campbell

A 40-year-old man has been arrested after crashing into the wall of a property in Newry while trying to flee police. 

Gardai tipped off the PSNI that the Volkswagen Golf was heading towards the city at around 7.50pm yesterday evening. 

It was eventually located on Ferryhill Road where the driver struck a wall and two police cars trying to leave the scene. 

Police believe the suspect was involved in an incident across the border and may have been in possession of a suspected firearm, however no weapon was found when he was detained.

He's currently being held on suspicion of driving with excess alcohol on breath, dangerous driving, failing to stop for police and using a motor vehicle without insurance. 

Inspector Stewart said: “At around 7:50pm, police received a report from An Garda Siochana that a red VW Golf was heading towards the Fathom Line area of Newry.

"It was believed the driver was involved in an incident across the border and may have been in possession of a suspected firearm.

"Police set up a vehicle check point in the area, but the vehicle failed to stop and made off at high speed. Police then located the vehicle on the Ferryhill Road, when the driver attempted to make off from the scene and struck both a wall of a property and two police cars.

"There were no reports of any serious injuries during the incident and no firearm was located, as police detained the male in the area.

“The male was arrested on suspicion of driving with excess alcohol on breath, dangerous driving, failing to stop for police and using a motor vehicle without insurance. He is currently in police custody at this time.

“We are fortunate that there were no serious injuries which may have occurred yesterday evening. I would like to thank An Garda Siochana for their cooperation in helping to detain this individual, who showed a complete disregard for the safety of the local community by his actions.

“Anyone who witnessed this vehicle driving erratically during this timeframe is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1890 22/05/20."