More than 40 organised crime gangs in Northern Ireland have been infiltrated during the last year, it emerged today.

It has been claimed that nearly half the organised crime in the North is linked to loyalist or republican paramilitary groups.

Northern Ireland’s policing board was tonight preparing to shortlist for the chief constable’s job - as one of those thought to be in contention was ruled out.

A senior Metropolitan police officer investigating allegations of collusion between members of the security forces and loyalist paramilitaries is in the running for the top job in Northern Ireland’s new police service.

Just two people are believed to have applied for the job of chief constable in the North’s police force following the resignation of Ronnie Flanagan earlier this year.

The closing date for applications to run the new Northern Ireland Police Force was passing today, with the North's acting chief constable expected to rule himself out of the race.

Two of the North’s most senior police officers could be out of the running to become the next chief constable, it emerged today.