Man arrested after bus hijacked in Omagh and driven to Strabane

A man in his 30s has been arrested following an Omagh bus hijacking on Saturday afternoon. Police said the bus was taken from the Beltany Road area before being driven along the A5 towards Strabane. One man was taken to hospital, while police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage.

A man has been arrested following an Omagh bus hijacking which led to a police pursuit along the A5 towards Strabane on Saturday, 12 September.

Police said they received a report shortly before 1pm that a bus had been hijacked in the Beltany Road area of Omagh.

According to the PSNI, the man was believed to be armed with a knife.

Passengers were allowed to leave the bus. However, the driver was reportedly kept on board before the vehicle was driven away in the direction of Newtownstewart.

Police pursuit along A5 following Omagh bus hijacking

Detective Inspector Winters said a pursuit followed along the A5 through Victoria Bridge and Sion Mills.

The bus was eventually stopped in the Head of the Town area of Strabane.

A man aged in his 30s was removed from the vehicle and arrested.

Police said he remained in custody on Saturday afternoon.

One man was also taken to hospital for treatment for injuries.

Roads closed in Strabane

Police said the Fountain Street and Drumallagh areas of Strabane remained closed following the incident.

Members of the public have been asked to avoid the area while police continue their enquiries.

Drivers can check the latest road and traffic information through TrafficWatch NI.

Police investigating collisions and property damage

Police said they had received a number of reports of collisions involving the hijacked bus and other vehicles.

These reportedly included a collision involving a police vehicle.

Damage to property has also been reported.

Detective Inspector Winters said officers want to hear from anyone involved in a collision during the incident.

Police are particularly interested in footage which could assist their investigation.

How to contact police

Anyone with information, dashcam footage, mobile phone video or other relevant material is asked to contact the Police Service of Northern Ireland on 101, quoting reference:

624 12/09/26

Further information about contacting police is available through the PSNI website.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting Crimestoppers UK.

The investigation remains ongoing.