North: Police Ombudsman's office staff in crime probe

Four staff members at Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman Nuala O’Loan’s office are at the centre of a criminal investigation, it emerged today.

Detectives are probing allegations a colleague made against them, and a former employee.

The inquiry relates to a shooting incident involving a police officer in County Antrim nearly five years ago.

Senior staff at the agency, which was set up under the Good Friday Agreement to examine allegations of police wrongdoing, are under investigation

Mrs O’Loan is not involved.

Her spokesman refused to disclose any more details, but a statement confirmed: “The police have launched an investigation into criminal allegations made by a member of staff at the Police Ombudsman’s Office against a number of his colleagues.

“They relate to a court case arising from the discharge of a firearm by a police officer in Newtownabbey in June 2001.

“The four staff are at both senior and junior levels within the Police Ombudsman’s Office.”

The spokesman also pledged full co-operation with the inquiry.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed the probe was under way.

A spokeswoman said: “As with any investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment.”