The DUP MLA said,
“It is only a few days since we learned that 58 officers have been
injured in ‘ramming’ incidents this year. What happened on Friday night
is just the latest in this epidemic of attacks on police officers and
vehicles. Given the population size of Newry, Mourne and Down there is
an obviously disproportionate number of these incidents happening with
the area.
The cost to repair the vehicles involved is obviously significant, but that is nothing compared to the impact on officers and the injuries many have sustained in the line of duty. It is staggering to hear that one of the officers injured at the weekend had been involved in five previous incidents.
Unfortunately we see regular reports of these
incidents occurring, but much less frequent reports of those responsible
being identified and apprehended. When sentences are being handed down
for any such attacks then they must send out a clear message that they
will never be acceptable."