POLICE in north Belfast attended the scene of a number of road traffic collisions in the Crumlin Road area just before 12.45pm this afternoon, Tuesday 26 December. 

Inspector Paul Noble said: “A grey Ford Kuga, which had been previously stolen in the Belfast area was driven recklessly and at speed in the area of the Ardoyne shops and on the Crumlin Road.

“This car collided with four other vehicles, causing damage to a blue Hyundai Getz, a grey Ford Fiesta, a beige Ford Ka and a red Nissan Almera.

“A 24 year old man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of aggravated vehicle-taking, causing injury.

“A 21 year old man was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences including burglary, dangerous driving and driving when unfit through drink or drugs.

“He was also treated in hospital for injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening at this time.

“This type of criminal activity can have a devastating and detrimental impact on innocent people in the area and these ‘death drivers’ are not wanted in the north Belfast community.

“They have no thought for local people or for the consequences of their actions.

“Police have worked and will continue to work with community and criminal justice partners to take stolen cars off the streets, arrest offenders and bring them before the courts.

“We would ask anyone who witnessed any of these incidents to contact police at Tennent Street on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 495 of 26/12/17.

“Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”