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Watchdog investigates handling of allegations against ex-officer

Julian O'NeillCrime and justice correspondent, BBC News NI
News imagePA Media A circular crest sits on a stone wall. It reads Police Service of Northern Ireland. The badge is green, with a white star in it centre and a black circle along its rim. PA Media

The Police Ombudsman is to investigate how the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) managed allegations of inappropriate conduct made against a former officer.

It is linked to an on-going case, which saw a man arrested in December on suspicion of committing more than 10 offences, including an alleged rape.

He is also suspected of other sex offences, as well as misconduct in public office.

It is alleged the incidents occurred between 2000 and 2009, while he was on-duty.

Police Ombudsman chief executive, Hugh Hume, said: "This investigation centres on how a number of allegations made against the (then) officer were handled at that time.

News imageHugh Hume. He has short grey hair, wearing a dark grey blazer with a silver sin on the lapel, light purple shirt and purple striped tie. He is sitting on a chair beside a table in an office.
Chief Executive for the office of the Police Ombudsman, Hugh Hume, said those who made allegations did so in "difficult circumstances"

"These are sensitive issues and those who made allegations did so in difficult circumstances.

"My priority is to ensure that their voices remain at the centre of the investigation as it progresses."