Pair released after 120mph police chase in Belfast

Two men who were arrested after a 120mph road chase in west Belfast that ended when a car crashed into a police vehicle have been released on bail.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said extensive damage was caused to the police car after the crash on Stockmans Lane in the early hours of Monday morning.

The men, aged 33 and 24, were arrested on suspicion of a number of offences, including dangerous driving.

The 24 year-old-man was released on bail on Monday and the 33 year-old man was released on Tuesday.

Both were taken to hospital for injuries not believed to be life threatening, the police said.

The two police officers involved in the crash received minor injuries.

The incident began at about 02:30 GMT when officers signalled for a white Volkswagen Golf travelling on the Westlink to stop.

However, the police said the car continued to drive at high speed and, at one stage, on the wrong side of the road.

Police chased after the car and officers attempted to slow it down using a stinger device. The driver continued towards Blacks Road before crashing into the police car on Stockmans Lane.

The PSNI said part of the M1 had to be closed until the car was brought to a halt.

“I would stress that the actions of the driver responsible for the pursuit and subsequent collision with our officers is totally unacceptable," PSNI Insp Irwin said.

“Our officers were working to keep people safe when this reckless act occurred and attacks like these should be wholly condemned."

Police are appealing to anyone who saw the white Volkswagen Golf or captured dash-cam footage of its movements to get in touch.