A man has been charged with dangerous driving after a police officer was seriously injured when struck by a stolen police car in Downpatrick.

The incident occurred shortly after 4:45am on Sunday 31 May when a vehicle failed to stop for police in the Fountain Street area.

The vehicle was later located in the Ballymote Walk area. A man ran from the car and officers pursued him on foot towards Colmcille Road.

A 27-year-old man has been charged with dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and using a vehicle without insurance. He will appear before Downpatrick Magistrates' Court on Monday 1 June.

A 36-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and aggravated vehicle taking causing injury. A 27-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and failing to stop for police. Both remain in custody.

A police officer discharged one round from his firearm during the incident. The Police Ombudsman is investigating the discharge.

The injured officer received treatment at the scene and was taken to hospital by the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. The officer's injuries are described as serious but not life-threatening.