Police in Derry / Londonderry have deployed a stinger device in an attempt to stop a suspect vehicle. 

The vehicle, a black Mercedes 300, is believed to have been involved in several collisions in the city over recent months. 

Local policing Inspector Hewat said: "The vehicle was spotted on Buncrana Road at around 12.30pm yesterday, Saturday 20th June.

"The driver made off toward the city at dangerous speeds and with a deflated rear tyre. In order to minimise the risk to both the public and the driver, a pursuit was commenced by trained officers. The Mercedes collided with an uninvolved member of the public's vehicle as police attempted to force the dangerous vehicle to stop, causing damage but thankfully, no reported injury.

"A stinger device was deployed in the Creggan area, in an attempt to bring the pursuit to a safe and controlled conclusion. Fearing for his own safety, one officer drew his weapon, but the driver of the Mercedes swerved and made off, narrowly avoiding another member of the public's vehicle as he did so. 

"As is standard procedure when a police firearm is drawn, the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has been informed – and their enquiries are ongoing."

Local policing Inspector Hewat continued: "The vehicle was found abandoned just over the border minutes later. 

"We are liaising with our colleagues in An Garda Siochana as we seek the driver, and are carrying out forensic testing of the vehicle. 

"As we do so, we would appeal to anyone with information, or relevant dashcam or mobile phone footage, to contact us. It is only by sheer luck that this vehicle was not involved in a more serious collision yesterday. 

"The number to call is 101, quoting reference 351 26/03/26."

You can also submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk