McQuillan appointed to new crimebusting board

Northern Ireland Chief Constable Hugh Orde’s acting deputy is to head up a new agency to deal with organised crime in Northern Ireland, it emerged today.

Alan McQuillan is to become the assistant director of the Criminal Assets Recovery Agency which is being established as part of the British government’s offensive against major gangs heavily involved in drugs, racketeering and extortion.

Mr McQuillan, who was once in charge of policing in the Greater Belfast area, had applied for the post of deputy chief constable.

His appointment was announced as members of the Policing Board met in Belfast to draw up a shortlist for that job.

He is expected to take up his new post early in the New Year.