Stinger device used to stop stolen car after spate of car crime in Derry

Police in Derry said they received reports of the thefts of three cars from outside houses in the Woodbrook, Parklands and Victoria Gate areas in the early hours of Sunday.

One of the cars, a Renault Arkana, was later located in the Bridgend area of Donegal by An Garda Síochána.

A number of police resources were tasked to the area including officers from our Armed Response Unit, District Support Team and Dog Section.

Officers then observed a second of the stolen vehicles, a black Mercedes, and following a pursuit by trained officers, the car was successfully, and safely, brought to a stop by a stinger device.

The third vehicle, a white Kia Sorrento, continued towards the border before three occupants fled from the car. Both vehicles were recovered.

Police remained in the area to conduct searches and arrested two of the suspects a short time later.

One 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a number of driving-related offences, including dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, taking a motor vehicle without authority and driving when unfit through drink or drugs.

Another 25-year-old was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to stop for police and taking a motor vehicle without authority.

Both men remain in police custody at this time as enquiries continue.

The PSNI described the police response as ‘a great example of successful partnership with our An Garda Síochána colleagues, as we work together every day in the border area to bring criminals to justice’.