THE PSNI say a man has come forward to police in north Belfast following an appeal for information about a police car that was hit by a metal-tipped bolt, fired by a crossbow.

Police now believe the incident to have been accidental and officers are speaking with the crossbow owner.

The incident happened at Tennent Street PSNI station sometime between 5 pm and 7 pm yesterday evening.

The bolt pierced a police car shattering the rear window.

Police said they believed the metal-tipped bolt had been fired from Cambrai Street, a distance of 40-50 metres from the station, describing the incident as “reckless’.

Sergeant Greg Dawson said: “We do not believe that this was a malicious incident.

“But we would remind owners of crossbows that these can be dangerous weapons and they should be aware of the possible criminal implications of their use.

“Owners of crossbows should be mindful of where and when they use them, especially within a residential area.”