Protestant confidence in Police Ombudsman is up

A survey has found that 70% of Protestants have confidence in the North's Police Ombudsman, a 19% rise on a similar survey carried out last year.

The survey found that Catholic confidence in Nuala O'Loan's ability to deal fairly with complaints against the police remained high at 79%.

The Protestant community has been generally more suspicious about the Ombudsman's office, particularly with unionist politicians claiming it was instigated by Catholic demands.

Ms O'Loan has welcomed the survey results as growing acceptance of the independence of her work.