Two Additional Detentions Following Assault of Officer by Stolen Patrol Vehicle

Two further individuals have been taken into custody regarding a serious incident in Downpatrick, County Down, on Sunday. The event involved a police officer who was fired upon and subsequently struck by a stolen police vehicle, resulting in severe injuries.

A 36-year-old man was apprehended on suspicion of aggravated vehicle taking causing injury and attempted murder. Simultaneously, a 27-year-old woman was arrested on charges of dangerous driving and failing to stop for police.

Kieran Turley, 27, of Vianstown Road in Downpatrick, has been formally charged with dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, and operating a vehicle without insurance. Although Turley was initially detained on suspicion of attempted murder, he has been released unconditionally regarding that specific allegation.

Turley appeared at Downpatrick Magistrates' Court wearing a grey tracksuit. During the hearing, a police officer testified that evidence could link Turley to the charges. When Judge Magill inquired if any other suspects had been detained, the detective confirmed that a man and a woman remain in custody as investigations continue. It is understood that these ongoing enquiries include the attempted murder aspect of the case, stemming from the officer being hit by the stolen vehicle.

The court was told that early on Sunday morning, a vehicle was being driven dangerously along Flying Horse Road and Ardglass Road, weaving across lanes. At one point, a bottle was thrown from the car at police officers. When the vehicle eventually stopped, a suspect fled on foot. Officers later discovered the individual hiding in the garden of a nearby residence, where they also found the vehicle key. Turley was denied bail and is scheduled to return to court on 25 June.

Details of the Incident

The disturbance began at approximately 04:45 BST on Sunday in the Fountain Street area of Downpatrick, when a vehicle failed to halt for police. After the responding officers returned to their station, other PSNI members located the vehicle later in the Ballymote Walk area.

As a man ran from the vehicle, officers pursued him on foot toward Colmcille Road. Upon returning to their patrol car, officers discovered someone in the driver’s seat. Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones stated that the driver was "driving erratically and directly towards an officer."

The officer discharged a single round from his weapon before being struck by the stolen car. He required immediate assistance from his colleagues and ambulance personnel. The suspect then abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene. The entire incident lasted approximately 45 minutes.

Reactions and Investigations

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher spoke with the injured officer on Monday morning. "I am heartened to hear that he is recovering well despite some horrible injuries and I wish him a full and speedy recovery," Boutcher said. He emphasized that policing is a profession marked by "risk and challenge, and sometimes danger," noting that "PSNI officers put themselves on the front line everyday to keep communities safe."

The Police Ombudsman’s Office confirmed that investigators attended the scene of the shooting, adhering to standard protocols. Nikki Davis, the director of investigations, stated, "We have been gathering relevant information, including any available video evidence, to assess the circumstances." She added, "Our thoughts are with the police officer who has been injured during the incident in Downpatrick and their colleague who was present."

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also expressed his sympathies with the injured officer. He condemned the violence, stating, "Violence against police officers is wholly unacceptable and will never be tolerated. This was a horrific incident. Those who wear the uniform do so to protect the public and uphold the law and any attack on them is an attack on the safety of our communities."

Policing Board chair, Brendan

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-06-01 16:49:40 UTC