Three arrested after stolen tractor causes cross-border chaos in hit and run incidents

Just after 3.30am yesterday morning, gardai had responded to reports of a tractor that was stolen from Co Monaghan.

Gardai said both patrol vehicles had to take evasive action to avoid a collision with the tractor which was then involved in several hit-and-run collisions before ending up in south Armagh.

A 19-year-old man was subsequently charged by the PSNI after he was arrested at the scene just north of Derrynoose.

He has been charged with a number of offences, including dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drink or drugs and was due to appear before Newry Magistrates Court today.

The other two teens who were arrested, aged 18 and 16, have been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police investigating a cross-border incident on Tuesday, December 14 have charged a 19-year-old man with a number of offences, including dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drink or drugs.

“He is due to appear before Newry Magistrates Court today (Wednesday, December 15). As is normal procedure all charges are reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

“The other two males arrested, aged 18 and 16, have been released on police bail pending further enquiries.”

A Garda spokesperson added: “An Garda Síochána is investigating the unauthorised taking of a tractor which occurred in Clontibret, Co Monaghan in the early hours of yesterday morning, December 14.

“Gardaí responded to this report in two patrol vehicles. These patrol vehicles had to take evasive action to avoid a collision with the tractor.

“No one was injured, and no vehicles were impacted in this jurisdiction.

"The PSNI subsequently arrested three individuals in connection with this matter in Co Armagh.”