Two Officers Injured After Van Deliberately Rams Patrol Car

Published: 20November 2025 Thursday . The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Two police officers were left injured after their vehicle was deliberately rammed by a van in Maghera, Northern Ireland, in an incident that has been described by local authorities as both dangerous and traumatic. The suspect, an 18-year-old male, has been arrested in connection with the incident and is currently under investigation for a range of offences including dangerous driving, driving under the influence, failure to stop for police, and possession of a controlled substance.

The incident occurred on the Glenshane Pass late on Tuesday evening, when police were alerted at approximately 22:20 GMT to a van travelling at high speed and swerving erratically along the road. Eyewitnesses and officers alike described the vehicle as being on the wrong side of the carriageway, heading directly toward oncoming traffic. According to police, the driver deliberately targeted a marked police vehicle, ramming it and causing injuries to the two officers inside.

Superintendent Peter Stevenson, Mid Ulster District Commander of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), provided a statement describing the gravity of the events. “To be inside a vehicle which is deliberately rammed at speed is an extremely scary and traumatising experience for any police officer to go through,” he said. He praised the bravery of the officers, noting, “It is a testament to the courage of our people that they willingly place themselves in situations where they are at risk, in order to protect members of the public from harm.”

The van was eventually stopped through a tactical police intervention, and the driver was arrested after attempting to flee the scene. The prompt actions of the responding officers prevented further injuries and potential accidents, highlighting the dangers that law enforcement personnel routinely face when confronting reckless or malicious behaviour on the roads.

Authorities have confirmed that the two officers sustained injuries as a result of the deliberate collision, though their precise condition has not been disclosed. Medical teams attended to them following the incident, and investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attack.

The arrested individual is facing multiple charges, including driving with excess alcohol, dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, and possession of a Class B controlled drug. Police have emphasized that the case is being treated with the utmost seriousness due to the deliberate nature of the attack and the risk posed to both officers and the wider public.

Incidents involving deliberate attacks on emergency service vehicles are relatively rare, but when they do occur, they pose significant threats not only to law enforcement officers but also to members of the public. In this case, the driver’s recklessness on the Glenshane Pass, a busy and often challenging route, exacerbated the danger, creating a high-risk scenario that could have resulted in multiple casualties.

Local residents and road users have expressed concern over the safety of the area, particularly given the steep gradients and sharp bends of the Glenshane Pass. Police have reiterated the importance of vigilance and adherence to traffic regulations, especially in areas prone to accidents or challenging driving conditions.

The PSNI has also called on the public to report any dangerous driving behaviours promptly. The timely alert from concerned citizens in this incident allowed officers to intercept the vehicle before further harm could occur. Superintendent Stevenson stressed that community cooperation is critical in preventing similar incidents and ensuring that dangerous drivers are held accountable.

The incident underscores the risks that police officers face daily while performing their duties, particularly on roads where high-speed vehicles, reckless drivers, or individuals under the influence can create life-threatening situations. In addition to physical risks, officers often encounter psychological trauma from such events, and support mechanisms are in place within the PSNI to assist personnel in recovering from high-stress encounters.

While investigations continue, the PSNI has confirmed that the suspect remains in custody and will face charges through the criminal justice system. The ongoing inquiry aims to gather evidence, including dashcam footage, witness statements, and forensic analysis, to provide a full account of the events and ensure a fair prosecution.

This case highlights not only the bravery and professionalism of law enforcement personnel but also the importance of public cooperation and adherence to traffic laws to maintain safety on Northern Ireland’s roads. By swiftly reporting erratic or dangerous driving behaviours, communities play an essential role in supporting police efforts to prevent accidents and safeguard lives.

As the investigation proceeds, police have reiterated that the public should avoid confrontation with individuals engaging in dangerous driving and should instead alert authorities immediately. The incident on the Glenshane Pass serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of reckless actions and the importance of maintaining vigilance and safety while on the roads.