Ombudsman to probe Short Strand allegation

The North's Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan is to investigate allegations that the police failed to protect a Catholic family during street violence in the Short Strand area of east Belfast last summer.

Kelly-Ann Johnston said she was prevented from taking his sick son to a doctor's surgery in a Protestant area because of a picket by loyalist residents.

She said the police failed to clear the picket.

The Ombudsman only agreed to investigate the matter after Ms Johnston took two separate judicial review cases in the High Court.