A police officer suffered serious injuries in Downpatrick after being struck by a stolen police vehicle in the early hours of Sunday 31 May.

The incident began around 4.45am when a vehicle failed to stop for officers in the Fountain Street area. The vehicle was later located in the Ballymote Walk area, where a man was seen running from it.

Officers pursued the man on foot towards Colmcille Road. When they returned to their patrol car, a person was in the driver's seat and drove directly at an officer.

The officer discharged one round from his firearm. The vehicle struck the officer, causing serious injuries, then continued before being abandoned.

A 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in custody. The police vehicle, officer's weapon and ammunition have been recovered for forensic examination.

The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has been notified of the firearm discharge and is conducting enquiries. Detectives from the PSNI Serious Crime branch have launched an attempted murder investigation.

The officer received urgent medical treatment at the scene from colleagues and members of the local community before being taken to hospital by the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. Injuries are described as serious but not life-threatening.