Man charged with attempted murder

There were three ram-raid incidents in the city

A County Down man has appeared in court charged with the attempted murder of a police officer.

Thomas Patrick McDonagh, 39, of Ardcarne Park, Newry, is also accused of three burglaries in the city in the early hours of Monday morning.

The charges relate to three ram-raids on businesses in the city.

Six police officers were injured during the arrest operation, one was allegedly pinned against a wall by a car and officers fired a shot hitting Mr McDonagh in the arm.

A detective constable told Newry Magistrates Court court on Friday that when charged the accused replied: "I am an alcoholic".

Cross examined by a defence solicitor, the police officer agreed that during interview the accused claimed to have consumed a substantial quantity of drink and prescription drugs.

Mr McDonagh was remanded in custody to 18 December.