Co. Louth Police Capture Suspect After Girl Escapes Car Theft In Belfast
A man is currently being interrogated by Co. Louth Police after a shocking incident involving the hijacking of a car in Belfast with a 17-year-old girl inside.
The young girl managed to escape in Lisburn, leading to a swift police response and a cross-border operation that underscores the effective collaboration between the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and An Garda Síochána.
According to a statement released by the PSNI, officers received a report early yesterday morning regarding a vehicle stolen from the Botanic Avenue area of Belfast. Alarmingly, the vehicle was taken with a girl still inside. The situation escalated quickly, prompting a coordinated effort from law enforcement agencies.
The statement further detailed that the stolen vehicle stopped on the Saintfield Road in Lisburn, where the girl was able to escape from the car. This courageous act allowed her to avoid further danger, but the ordeal undoubtedly left her shaken.
After she escaped, the car was spotted a short time later travelling at speeds exceeding 100 mph on the A1 motorway. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the PSNI immediately contacted their colleagues at An Garda Síochána, alerting them that the stolen vehicle was heading towards the border.
At approximately 2:20 a.m., Co. Louth Police received a report from their counterparts in An Garda Síochána, indicating that they had located the stolen car and apprehended a 25-year-old man in Dundalk.
The suspect remains in custody as the investigation is underway, and thankfully, the victim emerged from the harrowing experience without physical injuries, although she was understandably left shaken.
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“This incident could have ended in tragedy, given the reckless behaviour displayed by the suspect,” a PSNI spokesperson remarked. “We are grateful that there were no casualties, and we commend the young girl for her bravery during such a frightening situation.” The collaborative efforts between the PSNI and Co. Louth Police have been praised, as they were crucial in the swift recovery of the stolen vehicle and the arrest of the suspect.
In a follow-up statement, An Garda Síochána confirmed that the vehicle was later found on the Newry Road in Dundalk, with the suspect arrested at a nearby location. The car has been seized and is currently undergoing a technical examination to gather evidence related to the hijacking.
Local officials have expressed relief over the quick response and cross-border operation. SDLP councillor Gary McKeown welcomed the cooperative effort, emphasising the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies in addressing cross-border crime. “This is a shocking incident that must have been a harrowing ordeal for the young girl involved. The swift actions of Co. Louth Police and their counterparts in the PSNI to apprehend the suspect are very commendable,” he stated.
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McKeown further highlighted the broader implications of the incident, noting that the high-speed chase endangered not only the victim but also countless others on the road. “Driving at over 100 mph poses a significant risk to public safety, and it’s reassuring to know that an arrest has been made swiftly. My thoughts are with the victim, and I sincerely hope she is receiving the support she needs to recover from this traumatic experience,” he added.
Investigations By Co. Louth Police Are In Full Swing
As investigations proceed further, Co. Louth Police are focused on gathering more information about the incident, ensuring that justice is served. The collaboration between the PSNI and Co. Louth Police stands as a testament to the effectiveness of joint efforts in combating crime across borders.
Their proactive approach and rapid response have undoubtedly played an important role in mitigating the impact of this distressing event.
In the recent news, both Co.Louth Police and Gardai are expected to continue working together closely, sharing intelligence and resources to prevent similar incidents in the future. The safety of the community remains a priority, and authorities urge anyone with additional information regarding this incident to come forward.
As the investigation continues, the efforts of both the victim and the law enforcement agencies involved shines through, highlighting the importance of cooperation in ensuring public safety.
