By Lisa Ramsden
CHIEF Constable Jon Boutcher has said Sunday’s attempt to kill one of his colleagues in a Downpatrick housing estate was a reflection “of a chaotic surge in routine violence” PSNI officers now face.
After speaking with the young policeman, who continues to be treated in hospital, the PSNI’s highest ranking officer said his thoughts first and foremost remain with the man who was struck by the vehicle, and with the officer “who was forced to witness what they believed at the time to be the murder of their colleague and friend.”
Yesterday (Tuesday) morning, detectives investigating the attempted murder were granted a court extension.
The court extension of an additional 36 hours was granted in relation to a 36-year-old man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
In a briefing provided on Monday afternoon, Mr Boutcher said he was heartened to hear the officer “is recovering well despite some horrible injuries,” before adding that “we are now seeing vehicles weaponised as part of efforts to murder police”.
The injured officer and his colleague had been pursuing a car which was being driven dangerously and were in the process of following a suspect on foot when a civilian got into their response vehicle and drove off.
Videos circulating online show the 4×4 then being driven through a residential area.
Police later said that at this point the vehicle had been driven “erratically and directly towards an officer”.
This officer then discharged one round from his firearm, which hit the windscreen, and he was then struck by the vehicle – causing serious injuries. He remains in hospital at this time.
The day afterwards, Mr Boutcher said “policing is without question a career filled with risk and challenge, and sometimes danger”.
He added: “What it is not, is an acceptable target for those who want to unleash violence and chaos on society.”
He continued: “This attack didn’t arise from terrorism or a violent altercation involving weapons.
“This began with a car which failed to stop.
“It is further evidence, if any was needed, of the danger facing our officers every time they put on their uniform. How within a split second almost any situation can escalate into violence or the threat of violence towards them.”
