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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
National
Lucy Bladen

ACT police investigating whether officers were deliberately hit

A green Ford sedan hit three police officers at the National Arboretum on Sunday afternoon. Picture: Keegan Carroll

Police are investigating whether three officers were deliberately hit by a car in an incident at the National Arboretum on Sunday afternoon.

The three police officers were injured during a routine traffic stop at about 2.50pm, where they were rammed by a green Ford sedan.

Each of the officers were injured and taken to Canberra Hospital. One had a broken leg, one a back injury and another had a shoulder injury.

The driver of the car is in custody and is assisting police with inquiries.

ACT Policing Superintendent Corey Heldon said she was thankful the officers were alive, saying it could have been much worse.

She said police were investigating whether this was a deliberate act.

Police investigating the scene on Sunday afternoon. Picture: Keegan Carroll

"We are investigating whether the driver deliberately drove at police," Superintendent Heldon said.

"Police being deliberately injured while doing their job is never acceptable.

"I am thankful these three officers are alive; however, one of them is seriously injured.

"I ask anyone who saw this incident who has not spoken to police to do so as soon as possible, in order to enable us to fully investigate the circumstances."

Lady Denman Drive, and the roads that lead to it are expected to be closed for a number of hours.

Australian Federal Police Association president Alex Caruana said the incident showed how dangerous policing was.

"If the investigation determines that this was a deliberate action, then we would expect the judiciary to their job and hand down a significant sentence if convicted," Mr Caruana said.

"It's only a short passage of time since the tragic incident in Victoria that saw four officers killed after being struck by a truck. We are very fortunate and lucky that no one was killed during this incident."

Police are urging anyone who may have any information or dash-cam footage that could assist police to contact ACT Policing Operations on 131444.

Please quote reference P1937015.

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