Three police officers have been injured after their car was rammed repeatedly by a tipper lorry during an operation in South Armagh.
The "reckless" and "completely cowardly" incident took place as PSNI officers took part in a joint operation with HMRC at a commercial site on Edenappa Road, Jonesborough, just after midday on Friday.
During the operation a Scania HGV tipper lorry deliberately and repeatedly rammed a PSNI vehicle, as those in the lorry attempted to flee the area, police say.
Three officers were injured, with two receiving medical treatment at the scene and the third taken to hospital as a precaution.
The police car was also significantly damaged.
Superintendent Norman Haslett said: “This was an appalling, reckless, dangerous and completely cowardly act. Using a heavy goods vehicle as a weapon, could easily have caused catastrophic injury or worse.
“These were local officers from a Neighbourhood Policing Team were carrying out their duty to keep communities safe from organised criminality.
“An investigation into this incident is now underway and we are liaising with our An Garda Siochana colleagues. We are particularly interested in locating the vehicle and the driver which rammed the Police car. It was displaying the number plate LD08POP and crossed into the Republic of Ireland and will be bearing damage to the front driver’s side.
“We are appealing to anyone with information about this incident to contact us on 101 quoting reference number 754 of 5/03/21.
“A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org."
