Man arrested after hijacking Omagh bus at knifepoint

A man in his 30s was arrested after hijacking a bus in Omagh on Saturday, September 12, 2026, in an incident that escalated into a high-speed police pursuit and multiple collisions. The event unfolded around 1pm when the suspect, described as armed with a knife, took control of a Goldliner coach traveling on Beltany Road. Passengers were allowed to exit the vehicle, but the driver was forced to remain aboard before the bus was driven toward Newtownstewart. The pursuit, which involved police vehicles and resulted in damage to property and other vehicles, concluded in Strabane’s Head of the Town area, where the suspect was removed from the bus and detained.

Pursuit and Police Response

The hijacking triggered an immediate response from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), with officers deploying a firearms team trained for hijack situations. According to Detective Inspector Winters, the suspect “allowed the passengers to leave the bus, however kept the driver on board before making off in the direction of Newtownstewart.” The bus traveled along the A5 road through Victoria Bridge and Sion Mills, with police pursuing the vehicle. During the chase, the bus reportedly collided with a police car and other vehicles, causing damage to property. The incident also led to the temporary closure of Fountain Street and Drumallagh in Strabane, with authorities urging the public to avoid the area.

Translink, the operator of the Goldliner coach, confirmed the incident involved a “Goldliner coach travelling on the Beltany Road in Omagh this afternoon” and stated the company was cooperating with police investigations. The PSNI emphasized the use of onboard CCTV to aid their inquiries, while also appealing to the public for information. A reference number, 624 12/09/26, was provided for those wishing to contact detectives.

Collisions and Injuries

Multiple collisions were reported during the pursuit, including an incident where the hijacked bus struck a police vehicle. While no specific details about the extent of the damage were provided, the PSNI noted that “a number of reports of collisions involving the stolen bus and other vehicles, including a police car and damage to property have been received.” One individual sustained injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment. The nature of the injuries and the suspect’s condition remain unconfirmed in the available sources.

The incident also disrupted local traffic, with parts of Strabane closed for several hours. Authorities have not yet released information about the suspect’s motive or any prior criminal history. However, the man’s age, described as “in his 30s,” and the use of a knife during the hijacking were consistently reported across multiple outlets.

Public Appeal and Ongoing Investigation

Police have issued a public appeal for anyone with information about the incident to come forward. This includes individuals involved in collisions, as well as those who may have captured footage of the event. Contact details provided include the PSNI’s non-emergency line (101) and Crimestoppers, which offers anonymous reporting. The reference number 624 12/09/26 was highlighted as a key identifier for all inquiries.

The PSNI’s firearms team played a critical role in stopping the bus in Strabane, with sources describing the officers as “heavily armed” and trained for such scenarios. This level of response suggests the incident was perceived as a significant threat to public safety. However, no further details about the suspect’s actions during the arrest were disclosed in the available reports.

The PSNI has not yet confirmed whether the suspect will face charges beyond the initial arrest. As the investigation continues, authorities remain focused on gathering evidence to determine the full circumstances of the incident. The public is advised to stay informed through official channels for updates on the case and any further developments in the affected areas.