Officers Injured Police Vehicle Rammed In Armagh

Police are appealing for information after a police vehicle was deliberately rammed outside Armagh in the early hours of today, February 21st, leaving two officers injured.

Around 2 am, officers on patrol in the Farnaloy Road area of Madden observed a Toyota Hilux turning onto the Hanslough Road. The Hilux driver failed to stop when required and, after a short pursuit, stopped suddenly and reversed at speed into the police vehicle.

The Hilux then fled towards the Monaghan Road, with police in pursuit. However, due to the dangerous driving, officers deemed it unsafe to continue the chase.

Chief Inspector Tim Flanigan condemned the incident, stating, "This was an appalling incident in which two of our colleagues were injured and are both receiving medical attention at hospital. This vehicle was, in effect, used as a weapon against our officers. It is unacceptable that those working to keep their community safe should be targeted in this way."

The police vehicle was damaged and is now off the road for repairs. CI Flanigan added, "Our enquiries are ongoing and we would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time, or who may have information on the whereabouts of the vehicle, which is likely to be bearing significant frontal damage, to contact us on 101 quoting reference 112 of 21/02/25."

You can also submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport

Or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Alliance Welcomes New 'Urban Villages' Investment

The Alliance Party has welcomed the announcement of an investment of £9 million from the Executive Office's 'Urban Villages' initiative Alliance Executive Office spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA said: "The multi-million pound extension to the Urban Villages Capital Plan is a welcome broadening of the funding and will provide a significant boost to urban areas in South Belfast which have worked so hard to make their case.

"Much of this funding allocation will support projects in the Donegall Pass and Market area on the edge of the city centre. Communities in those areas have shown incredible determination to develop their projects and reach this stage.

"This initiative will see a significant regeneration of local sites, creating employment and services for local residents while also developing a new vibrancy in the areas.

"The development of facilities such as for childcare and of creative spaces is an essential aspect of community well-being, and I very much welcome that it is not being overlooked."

Sinn Féin's DC Boycott 'Short-Sighted' – DUP

The DUP has criticised Sinn Féin's decision to boycott Washington DC on St Patrick's Day, with party leader, Gavin Robinson MLA describing it as "short-sighted".

Mr Robinson said: "The fact that Sinn Fein's decision to boycott the annual St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Washington, D.C was announced in Dublin speaks volumes about where Northern Ireland sits as a priority for Sinn Fein.

"The DUP will be represented in DC for St Patrick's events. We always use the opportunity to strengthen Northern Ireland's economic and political ties with the United States, regardless of who occupies the White House. We will continue to engage with our partners in Washington, promoting Northern Ireland as a place to invest, work, and do business.

"While there will always be differences of opinion on policy matters, Sinn Fein's decision to disengage from an important diplomatic and economic opportunity is both short-sighted and counterproductive. It also doesn't align with being a so-called "First Minister for All".

"The United States is a key economic partner for Northern Ireland. Turning away from that relationship, particularly at a time when we need continued international support, is a reckless move that does nothing to advance the interests of people and businesses in Northern Ireland."