Public urged to help find hit-and-run driver who crashed into police officer

A POLICE officer has been injured in Co Tyrone after he was struck on the legs by a car which then sped off.

The hit-and-run incident happened when the PSNI officer was responding to reports of two cars being driven dangerously in the village of Bush, outside Dungannon.

He was hit by a silver Lexus which failed to stop for police and then made off.

The officer was not seriously injured and did not require hospital treatment.

The incident happened on the Tartlaghan Road at around 11.30pm on Tuesday.

The incident has been condemned by Ulster Unionists Tom Elliott and Rosemary Bar- ton, who described it as “very alarming”.

Mr Elliott, the MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, said that PSNI officers face a “constant struggle”.

He said: “All of my thoughts are with the police officer involved in this incident and thankfully, as I understand it, his injuries are not considered to be serious. I have always said that our police officers are up against a constant struggle, a wall of crime. With resources reduced, I commend them all for maintaining the level of professionalism we come to expect.

“The incident which took place has shocked the entire Bush community. This could have resulted in a much worse situation for the officer and all concerned.

“I would call upon anyone in the area who has information relating to this incident to get in touch with the PSNI.”

Inspector John McKenna urged people with information about the hit-and-run to contact police.

“The officer was struck on the legs by a silver Lexus that failed to stop for police and subsequently made off. A second vehicle, dark in colour, also fled the scene,” he said.

“Thankfully the male officer was not seriously injured. However, the reckless actions of this driver could have had much more dire consequences.

“I would appeal to anyone who saw these vehicles in the village or surrounding area last night or on any other occasion to contact police in Dungannon immediately on 101.”

Mrs Barton, the recently re-elected Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA, added: “It is difficult to comprehend the rational of someone that can strike another person with a vehicle and proceed to drive away as if nothing happened.

“I am pleased to learn the officer’s injuries are not thought to be serious and I too extend my thanks to all the PSNI team that do such an excellent job under immense, unimaginable pressure.

“I would urge those behind the hit-and-run or with information about the incident to come forward to the PSNI, it’s the decent thing to do.

“The people of Bush and the Fermanagh and South Tyrone area have no time or place for individuals who think it is acceptable to strike a police officer with a vehicle and then drive off.”