Five officers hurt as stolen car hits vehicle

Five police officers were injured in west Belfast when a stolen car collided with a police Land Rover, it was revealed tonight.

The accident last night happened moments after a police patrol had attempted to stop the stolen Ford Mondeo with a “stinger” device placed in the road.

The car careered on with deflated tyres until it hit the Land Rover on the Upper Springfield Road.

The five officers were treated for injuries which were not serious and a 15-year-old girl taken to hospital with head injuries.

A police spokeswoman said a 20-year-old man was expected to appear in Laganside Court in Belfast on Monday charged with driving while unfit and taking and driving away.

Another 20-year-old, an 18-year-old and a 17-year-old girl are expected to appear in the same court charged with allowing themselves to be driven in a stolen car. A 16-year-old girl was in court on charges related to the incident earlier today.