Man arrested over reports of bus hijacking at knifepoint in Omagh
Police received reports of an incident in Beltany Road
Last updated 4 hours ago
A man has been arrested after police were called to reports a man holding a knife had hijacked a bus in Omagh.
The alarm was raised in Beltany Road just before 1pm this afternoon (Saturday 12th September 2026).
Footage shared online shows a large bus speeding through streets and colliding with other vehicles.
It's reported passengers were allowed to leave the bus but the driver was forced to stay on board.
Police Service of Northern Ireland Detective Inspector Winters said:
“Shortly before 1pm, police received a report that a bus had been hijacked in the Beltany Road area of Omagh.
“The man, believed to be armed with a knife, allowed the passengers to leave the bus, however kept the driver on board before making off in the direction of Newtownstewart.
“A pursuit ensued along the A5 through Victoria Bridge and Sion Mills.
“The bus was eventually stopped in the Head of the Town area of Strabane and the man, aged in his 30s was removed from the bus and subsequently arrested.
“He remains in police custody at this time.
“One man has been taken to hospital for treatment for his injuries.
“The Fountain Street and Drumallagh areas in Strabane remain closed at this time and the public are asked to avoid the area.
“A number of reports of collisions involving the stolen bus and other vehicles, including a police car and damage to property have been received at this time."
Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting reference number 624 12/09/26.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via the charity's website.
On Sunday, the PSNI confirmed a 39-year old man has been charged with a number of offences including kidnapping, hijacking, aggravated vehicle taking causing injury and possession of an offensive weapon.
He is expected to appear before Enniskillen Magistrates Court on Monday 14th September.