A chief executive whose resignation from the Police Ombudsman‘s office led to serious concerns about its independence has been appointed to head the Policing Board.

The North's new police ombudsman today pledged operational independence in a bid restore community backing.

An inspector of the criminal justice system will become the North's next police ombudsman, it was revealed today.

The North's police ombudsman’s office was rocked today by a damning report that questioned the watchdog’s independence and which could force the resignation of its figurehead.

A major report on the North's policing watchdog has raised questions over its independence and the British government's role in appointing its figurehead.