Key Facts

• The incident happened around 4:45 a.m. on a Sunday in Downpatrick, County Down.
• Police were initially chasing a vehicle that did not stop for officers on Fountain Street.
• After the police returned to their car, a man was found driving the stolen police vehicle erratically towards the officer.
• The officer fired one shot but was struck by the stolen police car and seriously injured.
• A 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
• The injured officer received urgent medical help at the scene and was taken to the hospital; his injuries are serious but not life-threatening.
• The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland is investigating, as standard when a firearm is fired by police.
• Police asked the public for information or footage about the incident.