NI Ombudsman to probe PSNI allegation

The North's Police Ombudsman, Nuala O'Loan, is to investigate allegations that the police failed to protect a 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 agreed to investigate the matter after Ms Johnston took two separate judicial review cases in the North's High Court.