Figures obtained by the investigative news website from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) reveal that 47 police chases ended at the border over the period, with arrests only made in relation to six of the pursuits.

The data, released under Freedom of Information legislation, will inform the debate over how to manage the Irish border in the wake of Brexit.

Police and gardaí cannot continue pursuits across the Irish border into each other’s jurisdiction, but both authorities can arrest those who have come into their jurisdiction to flee the other.

A spokesperson for Northern Ireland’s Department of Justice told The Detail: “The PSNI and An Garda Síochána have an excellent working relationship which provides a firm basis for practical and strategic co-operation between both services, including in emergency situations such as a hot pursuit.”

The Cross Border Policing Strategy published in 2010 makes no direct reference to pursuits across the Irish order.

However, an updated version of the strategy document “is currently under review”, according to the Department of Justice.