A Police force in England has issued a "sincere apology" - after it damaged multiple cars by mistake when it deployed a 'Stinger' device on a busy dual-carriageway during rush hour.
Suffolk police said that a "number of vehicles have been damaged following a police operation" last night (Thursday, January 27) on the A14 near the junction with the A142 at Newmarket.
The incident involved a "stinger" - a device that punctures the tyres of a suspect vehicle to force it to stop.
However, police say the passing lorries "caused the stinger device to move position" - and "several cars belonging to members of the public sustained damage to their tyres".
In statement issued on its website, police said: "At approximately 6:30pm fully trained officers from the Roads and Armed Policing Team (supported by Operation Sentinel staff) were conducting an operation which required the use of a stinger device to intercept a suspect vehicle.
"It is understood that during preparations to deploy, two HGVs travelling past the site caused the stinger device to move position into the carriageway.
"As a result, several cars belonging to members of the public sustained damage to their tyres. All the vehicles are now off the carriageway and there were no injuries to anybody involved."
"Police at the scene are now apparently continuing to assist affected motorists by arranging recovery and repair to the damaged vehicles, as well as supporting with onward travel arrangements."
"Police would sincerely apologise to all those involved for the inconvenience caused".
"An investigation will take place to determine the full circumstances of the incident," added police.
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