Three people have been charged in connection to a burglary in Co Tyrone.
The break-in occurred in Omagh on Friday evening and resulted in a lengthy PSNI pursuit across two counties.
A vehicle suspected of involvement was driven at speed through one police checkpoint.
Its driver then tried to ram a PSNI car after the suspect vehicle was tracked to Co Armagh.
The PSNI helicopter was deployed during the pursuit.
Officers believe the vehicle may have been involved in other recent burglaries and are liaising with police in the Irish Republic.
Two men aged 21 and 27 and a teenage boy aged 17 have now been charged with going equipped for theft in relation to the incident.
The 27-year-old has also been charged with possession of a Class B controlled drug and a number of driving offences.
Detective Inspector Handley said: “Police received a report shortly before 6.50pm that three men were attempting to break into a house in the Clements Villas area (of Omagh).
“The front window to the property had been forced open and damage was caused to the front door.
“A photograph and blinds were also damaged inside the house. Thankfully, the property was unoccupied at the time and we believe nothing was stolen.
“The men, who were all dressed in dark clothing, made off from the scene in a car towards the direction of Queens Parade.”
Police detected the vehicle, a black Ford Focus, in Omagh town centre and a short time later a vehicle checkpoint was set up in the Sion Mills area.
Mr Handley added: “The suspected vehicle approached police before driving dangerously through the checkpoint at speed.
“Our police helicopter was deployed to the area where the vehicle was last seen and the car was observed travelling dangerously in the direction of Newry.
“It eventually stopped on the Carrickcroppan Road, Camlough and the vehicle tried to ram a patrol car when approached by police.”
The suspects made off on foot into a nearby field.
“We believe at this stage that the vehicle may also have been involved in a number of other recent burglaries,” continued Mr Handley.
“We are also liaising with our colleagues in An Garda Síochána and remain committed to tackling organised criminality on both sides of the border, as well as other matters of public safety, including rural crime and road safety through the work of the cross-border Joint Agency Task Force (JATF).”
The three men will appear before Enniskillen Magistrates Court on Monday November 27.
As is usual procedure all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
