By Maria McCann
A 69 year old man has been arrested in England in connection with the suspected theft of sensitive police ombudsman documents.
The PSNI has launched a criminal investigation and is also carrying out an assessment on the impact of the unauthorised release of sensitive material.
Detectives from the Serious Crime Branch conducted a join search operation with police in Kent on Sunday.
A temporary suspension on the release of any further sensitive material to the Ombudsman's office has been put in place while a review takes place.
ACC Stephen Martin, Head of the PSNI’s Crime Operations Branch, said: “The PSNI can confirm it has become aware of a suspected theft of sensitive documents from within the Office of the Police Ombudsman of Northern Ireland.
“We have now commenced a criminal investigation and are also carrying out an assessment of any impact which may be caused by the unauthorised release of sensitive material.
“Detectives from our Serious Crime Branch conducted a joint search operation with Kent Police on Sunday and arrested a 69 year old man in Dartford, Kent, in connection with the matter.
“The PSNI and PONI have agreed to a temporary period of review during which sensitive information will not be shared.”
Swann refuses to rule out resigning if budget is not changed
Fresh inquests ordered into deaths of 15 killed in McGurk’s bomb blast
Trial ends after man accused of murder of young showjumper is found dead
A brief hearing and chaotic scenes as Donaldson makes first court appearance