POLICE are hunting a male who drove a stolen car head-on into a PSNI vehicle in the early hours of this morning.

The PSNI in west Belfast have issued an appeal for help in trying to catch the driver.

The police vehicle was damaged in the incident, which also left a number of officers with minor injuries.

The smash happened in the Albert Street area of the city in the early hours of this morning, Tuesday. June 6.

Officers were responding to reports of a car being driven erratically. They now believe it was stolen shortly beforehand in Newtownabbey.

Sgt David Mahood said: “Just before 03:00 BST we received a report that a black Audi A1 was being driven erratically in Albert Street.

“The car had been previously stolen in a creeper-style burglary in the Enniskeen Avenue area of Newtownabbey.

“When police arrived at the scene, the car was driven directly at our vehicle, causing damage and also minor injuries to a number of officers.

“The driver of the Audi made off on foot and was pursued by police, but managed to escape.

“We are appealing to anyone who has information that could help our investigation to contact police on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 90 of 6/6/17.

“Alternatively, if you would prefer to provide information without giving your details, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.”