Belfast bank heist probe detective to leave police

The detective heading up the investigation into the £26.5m (€38m) Northern Bank robbery is leaving the police, it emerged tonight.

Superintendent Andy Sproule will end his 28-year career on June 1.

He had already decided to accept an early retirement severance package before December’s raid in Belfast and senior officers were aware of his intentions to go.

Sproule, 47, head of the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s organised crime squad, is in charge of up to 50 officers involved in the investigation.

Chief Constable Huge Orde has blamed the IRA for the robbery.

A source close to the inquiry tonight confirmed Sproule’s planned departure: “They’ve (senior officers) known for months, well before Christmas that he intended to go and it hasn’t come as a huge surprise.

“He is probably the most experienced detective on the team and has done great work on this inquiry.

“He remains confident the crime can be solved, and although its sad he’s leaving, everything is in place to make sure there are no interruptions.”

Superintendent Philip Aiken, a former head of the fraud squad, will take over. He has been working on the investigation for a number of weeks.

It is understood members of the Northern Ireland Policing Board have been informed of the changes.