Two police officers injured after car 'deliberately' rammed

Police say the incident was a "traumatising experience"

A man has been arrested after two police officers were injured when their vehicle was rammed in Maghera.

Police said that during the first incident, on the Glenshane Pass, the driver of a van had been travelling on the wrong side of the carriageway, towards oncoming traffic.

The 18-year-old male driver "deliberately drove" the van at a police vehicle, ramming it and injuring the officers.

Police said they were first alerted to the vehicle speeding and swerving dangerously at about 22:20 (GMT) on Tuesday.

Police brought the van to a tactical stop and arrested the driver who had tried to run away.

Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Mid Ulster District Commander Superintendent Peter Stevenson said the incidents were an "extremely scary and traumatising experience."

"To be inside a vehicle which is deliberately rammed at speed is an extremely scary and traumatising experience for any police officer to go through," he said.

"It is a testament to the courage of our people that they willingly place themselves in situations where they are at risk, in order to protect members of the public from harm."

The man was questioned on suspicion of offences including driving with excess alcohol, dangerous driving, failing to stop for police and possession of class B controlled drug.