A Sinn Féin councillor has condemned “reckless behaviour” following the reported disturbances in Kilrea on Thursday which has resulted in five arrests.
Three PSNI officers responding to the incident were hospitalised after a car chase, which ended with the car mounting the kerb before crashing into the car the officers were in.
Two men, aged 38 and 31, were subsequently arrested on suspicion of driving and drug-related offences and remain in police custody.
On Thursday afternoon police said another three men – two aged 27 and one aged 38 – were arrested in Kilrea on suspicion of drug-related offences, as well as criminal damage and vehicle tampering.
Superintendent Sinead McIldowney, District Commander for Causeway Coast and Glens said: “Our investigation, although at an early stage, is progressing. We would reiterate our earlier appeal to anyone who can help with our ongoing enquiries get in touch with us by calling 101, and quote reference number 1104 27/11/24.
“We are also keen to hear from anyone who noticed what happened at the shop in the Mill Road area prior to the police pursuit and ramming to make contact with us on the same number.”
Sinn Féin councillor Sean Bateson said: “I condemn those responsible for this reckless behaviour which involved the reported assault of a woman and a car being rammed at a shop in the Mill Road area last night.
“This led to a number of police officers being seriously hurt and members of the public could also have been seriously hurt in this reckless act.
“I would urge anyone with information to bring this forward to the police so that those responsible can be held to account.”
Officers received a report at approximately 4.30pm on Wednesday, November 27 of an ongoing disturbance, including a vehicle ramming at a shop in the Mill Road area.
Speaking about the incident Superintendent McIldowney said: “On arrival, there were a number of people in the car park area of the commercial premises with their faces covered. It was reported a woman had also been assaulted outside the shop.
“A car involved in the disturbance, a black Vauxhall Astra, made off from the scene towards the town centre and a police pursuit ensued.
“The suspect vehicle mounted a kerb a short time later and collided with a second police car as it attempted to stop it.
“Three officers on-board sustained injuries and required hospital treatment – they were unable to continue on duty – the police vehicle was also damaged.
“After the Vauxhall Astra struck the police vehicle it attempted to flee and collided with another vehicle – no injuries were reported.
“Officers drew their batons and windows of suspect car were broken in an attempt to reach and arrest those inside who would not exit the vehicle.”
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Superintendent McIldowney continued: “Two men, aged 38 and 31, were subsequently arrested on suspicion of a number of driving and drug-related offences.
“A search of the vehicle was carried out and a number of items were removed for further forensic examination, including suspected Class A drugs which will now undergo forensic examination.
“The men remain in custody this morning, Thursday 28th November, as enquiries continue.
“Thankfully we are not dealing with more serious injuries today – and the actions of the driver responsible for the pursuit and subsequent collision with our officers is totally unacceptable.
“Members of the public could have also been injured by what happened due to this completely reckless and dangerous act that should be wholly condemned.”