A policeman is being treated for extensive injuries this evening after being hit by a stolen car and dragged down a street while dealing with disturbances in north Belfast.
The officer became entangled in the front of the red BMW after it drove at him and was dragged over 250 yards along the road before falling free.
Police said the officer, in his mid 20's, became trapped under the front wheel of the car as it sped down Clifton Street.
He suffered a broken pelvis, smashed ribs, had both legs broken and sustained a number of other injuries.
He was in a "serious condition" in hospital said a Police Service spokesman.
Another police officer fired a single shot at the car as it raced from the scene after what police called a case of attempted murder.
The injured officer was one of a team of riot police in the north Belfast area at around 4a.m. today dealing with street disturbances between rival groups when the stolen car appeared on the scene.
Detective Sergeant Kevin Geddis said: "The red BMW car which had been previously reported stolen, came around Carlisle Circus, stopped and then drove straight towards police officers, striking one officer.
"This officer became entangled in the front of the car and was dragged along the road for approximately 250 yards."
The car had been stolen earlier from outside a leisure centre in the heart of Belfast and after the injury of the officer was found abandoned in the Ligoniel area.
Forensic experts have carryied out a detailed examination of the vehicle.
PA