Published Date: 28.01.2007

The Police Ombudsman's Office has appealed for information about an incident during which police fired shots in the early hours of this morning (Sunday 28 January 2007).

A number of shots were discharged as police attempted to stop a suspected stolen car in the Rockmount area of Dundonald at around 1.40am. It is understood that the car - a red Vauxhall Monaro, registration number K E Z 1124 collided twice with a police vehicle as it attempted evade police. One man has been taken to hospital with gunshot wounds, which are not believed to be life-threatening.

All incidents in which shots are discharged by police officers are referred to the Police Ombudsman by the Chief Constable. A spokesman said the Police Ombudsman had mounted an independent, impartial investigation to establish the circumstances of what happened. He said the investigation would be evidence based: "Our investigators are at the scene, and forensic scientists and scenes of crime officers have been tasked to attend. We would also appeal for anyone who saw or has any information about what happened to contact the Police Ombudsman's witness appeal line on 028 9082 8777 or 0800 032 7880."