Tractor driver arrested after three police cars rammed

A tractor driver has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after three police cars were rammed in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland.

Officers investigating a report of a drink driver attended an address in the Tattenabuddagh Lane area of Fivemiletown in the early hours of Saturday 24 September.

While they were at the address, a man tried to evade police in a tractor. He rammed three police vehicles, causing extensive damage to all of them.

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The officers “took evasive action” and “narrowly” escaped injury, said a spokesperson for the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

The tractor driver, aged 25, was later arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and taken into police custody.

Det Insp Nigel Snoddy, investigating, said: “This was a reckless and cowardly incident that has left three of our police vehicles off the road which affects our service delivery in the Mid-Ulster area.

“There is also the impact in terms of our officers’ welfare, as well as the cost of repairs to the vehicle. 

“If it were not for our officers taking evasive action to avoid the oncoming tractor, I have no doubt that officers would have been seriously injured or killed.”

Police appeal

Anyone who has information on this incident is urged to contact the PSNI on 101, quoting reference 2000 23/09/22.

A report can also be made using the online reporting form. Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online.

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