A man has been arrested in Strabane following the hijacking of a bus in Omagh and a pursuit along the A5 this afternoon with one local Councillor stating that it is ‘only by a miracle’ no-one has been killed.

Detective Inspector Winters said: “Shortly before 1pm, police received a report that a bus had been hijacked in the Beltany Road area of Omagh.

“The man, believed to be armed with a knife, allowed the passengers to leave the bus, however kept the driver on board before making off in the direction of Newtownstewart. A pursuit ensued along the A5 through Victoria Bridge and Sion Mills.

“The bus was eventually stopped in the Head of the Town area of Strabane and the man, aged in his 30s was removed from the bus and subsequently arrested. He remains in police custody at this time.

The PSNI have appealed for witnesses to come forward.

placeholder image — The PSNI have appealed for witnesses to come forward.

“One man has been taken to hospital for treatment for his injuries.

“The Fountain Street and Drumallagh areas in Strabane remain closed at this time and the public are asked to avoid the area."

“A number of reports of collisions involving the stolen bus and other vehicles, including a police car and damage to property have been received at this time and officers are appealing to anyone involved in a collision or to anyone with footage that could assist with enquiries to contact detectives on 101, quoting reference number 624 12/09/26.

"You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/."

Sinn Féin MP Órfhlaith Begley has condemned the hijacking of the bus. “This was an alarming incident which could have led to death or serious injury, and my thoughts are with those impacted,” said the West Tyrone MP. Anyone with information should bring it to the PSNI.” Sinn Féin Derry City & Strabane District Councillor Barney Harte said on Saturday afternoon: “I have just returned from the scene where the hijacked bus chase ended in Strabane. People are understandably shocked and distressed. “How there has not been a fatality is only by a miracle. Numerous cars and properties have been damaged and people have told me of near misses of pedestrians, some pushing prams. The bus came to a stop right beside a children's play park.”

A Translink spokesperson said: “We can confirm an incident occurred involving a Goldliner coach travelling on the Beltany Road in Omagh this afternoon (September 12).

“We are assisting the PSNI with their investigation including use of onboard CCTV and would ask anyone with information relating to the incident to contact the police.”