31 May 2026
SDLP Policing Board member Colin McGrath has condemned an incident in Downpatrick which saw a police car stolen and an officer seriously injured.
He said a full review was needed into what took place.
South Down MLA Colin McGrath said:
"This appears to have been a disturbing and shocking incident in Downpatrick resulting in a police car being stolen and a shot being fired at a suspect, before an officer was hit and badly hurt.
"I would expect a full review of what took place during this incident to understand how this happened, in line with Police Ombudsman processes. A police car being stolen is a very serious, particularly given firearms and ammunition were present, and lessons must be learned from this.
"There can be no justification for these scenes, those involved should have cooperated fully with the police, instead the life of an officer was put at risk and this it totally unacceptable. I hope that they make a full and speedy recovery.
"I would urge anybody with any information to contact police."