A man has been arrested after a police car was rammed off the road in Belfast yesterday, leaving three officers injured. Police say they noticed a car driving suspiciously, which initially stopped. But the driver drove off before hitting his pursuers.

Chief Insp Claire Hamilton said: “At approximately 4.45pm, officers on patrol in the Ballysillan Road area detected a silver Ford Focus driving in a suspicious manner. The vehicle initially stopped for police, but when officers attempted to speak to the occupant, the vehicle made off in the direction of Hesketh Road. The vehicle was later seen in the York Street area of north Belfast, when it collided with a police vehicle, ramming it off the road and through a fence, before the vehicle once again made off. The vehicle was located abandoned in the Midland Street area a short while later.

Following police enquiries, a man, aged in his 40s, was later arrested on suspicion of offences including driving when unfit through drink or drugs, dangerous driving, theft of a vehicle, using a motor vehicle without insurance, assault on police, and disorderly behaviour.

“He remains in custody, assisting with enquiries.

“As a result of the collision, three officers involved have been injured and were unable to continue on duty. Thankfully, their injuries are not believed to be serious at this time, and they have my full support as they recover. 

“The vehicle is also damaged and has been taken off the road.

“The actions of this driver were totally unacceptable, and members of the public could also have been seriously injured as a result of this completely reckless incident.

“Our investigation is continuing, and we would appeal to anyone who might have any information which could help us, including dashcam or other footage, to contact us on 101, and quote reference number 969 of 23/11/25.”

Alternatively, members of the public can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form.

They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online.