Man charged with attempted murder of PSNI officer

A man was tonight charged with attempting to murder a police officer in Derry.

The charge relates to an incident last night when the driver of a vehicle carrying two passengers allegedly attempted to run an officer down in the city.

The man, aged 27, was also charged with taking and driving away a vehicle, dangerous driving, driving while unfit, driving without a licence or insurance and excess speed. He also faces a charge of burglary.

A second man aged 30 was charged with allowing himself to be carried, criminal damage of a police vehicle, and burglary.

The third man aged 39 is also charged with burglary and allowing himself to be carried. All three are scheduled to appear at the Magistrates Court on Monday.

The alleged incident happened at around 8pm yesterday when police were in pursuit of a stolen car in the city.

A police car followed the vehicle across the Foyle Bridge heading for the Culmore Roundabout.

As an policeman at the end of the bridge was using a stinger device, the driver aimed the car directly at him but the officer managed to throw himself clear.

The stolen car crashed into a police vehicle and three men were arrested at the scene.