Two police officers required medical treatment after their vehicle was rammed twice during a patrol in the Dromore area of County Down.

The incident took place on Wednesday 20 May at approximately 12.15pm. Officers from the Tactical Support Group were on mobile patrol in an unmarked Skoda on Killysorrell Road near Blackskull when they spotted a beige or gold Ford Galaxy with defective registration plates.

The officers followed the vehicle onto Villa Wood Road. The Ford Galaxy stopped suddenly and reversed into the police car. The suspect vehicle then continued to Gowdystown Road, where it reversed at high speed into the police car a second time before fleeing southbound on the A1 dual carriageway.

Both officers needed medical treatment following the collisions. The police vehicle sustained front-end damage and was temporarily taken out of service for repairs.

Inspector Rice stated that the injuries sustained by the officers were not too serious but described the targeting of officers working to keep their community safe as unacceptable. He also noted the damage to the police vehicle would affect their ability to carry out duties.

Police enquiries are continuing. Anyone with information or footage that could assist the investigation is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference 601 20/05/26, or to submit details online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimetoppers-uk.org.

The incident occurred in down.