In Derry on Saturday 20 June, a police officer drew his firearm during an attempt to stop a vehicle believed to be linked to several collisions in recent months. The Police Service of Northern Ireland said officers feared for their safety when the driver of a black Mercedes 300 evaded capture.

The PSNI spotted the car on Buncrana Road around 12.30pm, travelling at dangerous speeds with a deflated rear tyre. Trained officers began a pursuit as it headed into the city.

During the operation, the Mercedes struck an uninvolved member of the public’s car when police attempted to force it to stop. The collision caused damage but no injuries. A stinger device was later deployed in the Creggan area in an effort to bring the chase to a safe conclusion.

Inspector Hewat stated that, fearing for his own safety, one officer drew his weapon. The driver swerved, narrowly missed another vehicle, and fled the scene.

The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland was informed as standard procedure following the drawing of the firearm. Its inquiries are ongoing.

The Mercedes was located minutes later, abandoned just across the border in the Republic of Ireland. The PSNI is liaising with An Garda Síochána to trace the driver and is carrying out forensic tests on the vehicle.

Police have appealed for witnesses or anyone with dashcam or mobile phone footage to come forward. They can contact officers on 101, quoting reference 351 26/03/26, or report anonymously via Crimestoppers.