Ex-Special Branch chief 'humiliated' by departure

Former Special Branch chief Bill Lowry claimed he was “humiliated” when he was forced to stand down from the North’s police service, it emerged tonight.

The commander who led the raids on a suspected IRA spy ring at Stormont also claimed to have been “degraded, embarrassed and betrayed” following his shock departure.

Police Ombudsman Nuala O’Loan has been been called in probe complaints he lodged with the Policing Board.

After board members held a special meeting in Belfast chairman Professor Desmond Rea asked Ms O’Loan to step in.

A spokesman said: “The board has now received a legal opinion on the letter.

“As a result of the advice and that discussion the board agreed to forward the complaint to the Police Ombudsman, Nuala O’Loan for her attention.”

Mr Lowry stood down last month weeks after he headed the searches on Parliament Buildings, Belfast and the arrest of four republicans including Sinn Fein’s administration chief at Stormont, Denis Donaldson.

It is understood a letter listing his grievances claimed he had been “humiliated, degraded, embarrassed and betrayed“.

Amid allegations that political pressure played a part in his decision to quit, unionists on the board - which holds chief constable Hugh Orde to account - demanded a full inquiry into the matter.

Mr Orde has insisted no one from government has ever interfered with his decisions.

A spokesman for the Ombudsman’s office confirmed: “We have received the letter from the policing board.

“We are considering the issues raised.”