Shot fired as officer struck by stolen police car

Shot fired as officer struck by stolen police car9 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleEimear FlanaganBBC News NIPacemakerA bullet hole was visible in the windscreen of the stolen police car A police officer has been seriously injured after he was hit by a stolen police car in Downpatrick, County Down.The officer, who fired his gun during the incident, had been chasing a suspect who had fled on foot after another vehicle failed to stop for police on Fountain Street.When officers returned to their car in the Colmcille Road area, another man was in the driver's seat and he drove directly towards the officer. The officer "discharged one round from his firearm" according to police, but he was stuck by the police car. A 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. "Urgent medical treatment was provided at the scene by police colleagues, who were also supported by members of the local community," said ACC Melanie Jones.She said the officer was taken to hospital by ambulance for treatment to his injuries which are believed to be "serious, but thankfully not life-threatening at this time". The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed that the stolen police car, the officer's weapon and ammunition have all been taken away for forensic examination."As is standard procedure when a police firearm is drawn, the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has been informed - and their enquiries are ongoing," Jones added.What happened in the Downpatrick incident?PacemakerThe stolen police car was later abandoned after a suspect had fled the scene The incident began at about 04:45 BST on Sunday after a vehicle failed to stop for a police in the Fountain Street area of Downpatrick. After that police crew returned to their station, other PSNI colleagues later found the vehicle in the Ballymote Walk area of the town.A man then ran from the vehicle and officers pursued him on foot towards the nearby...