Teen arrested as stolen car crashes into PSNI vehicle

By Rebecca Black

A 17-year-old has been arrested following a pursuit in Belfast.

Two cars were reported stolen in the Cregagh Park East area of east Belfast in the early hours of Friday.

A PSNI spokesman said local officers, the auto crime team, dog section and air support were tasked following the report just after 8.45am.

One of the stolen cars was observed in the Sandy Row area of south Belfast at around 9am where it rammed a police vehicle, which was left damaged but the officers inside escaped injury.

A pursuit ensued across the city before the car crashed causing minor damage to a fence in the Abercorn Street North area.

"Police officers guided to the scene have arrested a 17-year-old man on suspicion of a number of offences, including aggravated vehicle-taking in which the vehicle is driven dangerously, failing to stop for police and aggravated vehicle-taking causing damage to another vehicle," the PSNI spokesman said.

"He remains in custody, assisting with our enquiries."

The second stolen car was discovered parked in the Devonshire Place area of west Belfast.

The PSNI has issued an appeal for anyone with information about the incident to come forward and speak to officers by phoning 101, quoting reference number 282 of 10/01/20.