Three people – including a teenage boy – were eventually arrested in Camlough after a police chase following a burglary in Omagh.
The incident – which saw an attempt to ram a police vehicle – happened last night (Friday).
Detective Inspector Handley said: “Police received a report shortly before 6.50pm that three men were attempting to break into a house in the Clements Villas area of the town.
“The front window to the property had been forced open and damage was caused to the front door.
“A photograph and blinds were also damaged inside the house. Thankfully, the property was unoccupied at the time and we believe nothing was stolen.
“The men, who were all dressed in dark clothing, made off from the scene in a car towards the direction of Queens Parade.
“Police detected the vehicle, a black ford Focus, in Omagh town centre and a short time later a vehicle check point was conducted in the Sion Mills area.
“The suspected vehicle approached police before driving dangerously through the check point at speed.
“Our police helicopter was deployed to the area where the vehicle was last seen and the car was observed travelling dangerously in the direction of Newry.
“It eventually stopped on the Carrickcroppan Road, Camlough and the vehicle tried to ram a patrol car when approached by police.
“The suspects made off on foot into a nearby field and following a police chase, two men aged 21 and 27, and a teenage boy, aged 17, were arrested on suspicion of a number of driving and burglary-related offences.
“They remain in custody at this time, assisting with enquiries. We believe at this stage that the vehicle may also have been involved in a number of other recent burglaries.
“We are also liaising with our colleagues in An Garda Síochána and remain committed to tackling organised criminality on both sides of the border, as well as other matters of public safety, including rural crime and road safety through the work of the cross-border Joint Agency Task Force (JATF).
“Anyone with information, including CCTV, dash-cam or mobile footage that could help with our investigation is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1256 24/11/23. We are especially keen to hear from anyone who may have noticed the black Ford Focus travelling from Omagh to Newry – or captured it on their dash-cam.”
A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
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