Northern Ireland’s Police Ombudsman has announced she is taking a temporary leave of absence.
Marie Anderson said she has delegated authority in her office’s chief executive and senior staff to ensure the work examining complaints around the conduct of police in the region can continue in her absence.
It comes following the conclusion of an independent investigation into events relating to an incident at a property linked to Ms Anderson in Holywood, Co Down in 2023.
Police Service of Northern Ireland officers went to the property at about 6.30pm on Saturday September 23 2023, after a report of a domestic incident.
A man was arrested as part of the inquiry and later released pending a report to prosecutors.
A file was subsequently sent to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) and a caution issued to the man who had been arrested.
West Midlands Police were then tasked with investigating further aspects of the incident.
They concluded their investigation earlier this month, and a file of evidence was sent to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS).
On Tuesday, Ms Anderson said she has taken the decision to take a leave of absence due to “current commentary”.
“Although I had decided to retire in December this year, which would have allowed me to fulfil my commitments to delivering the outcomes of investigations to a number of bereaved families, it has become increasingly clear that current commentary is detracting from the focus of that work,” she said.
“I am extremely grateful to those families who put their trust in me, and it is their interests which are at the heart of my decision today to take a temporary leave of absence with immediate effect.”
She went on: “In my absence, I am delegating authority to my chief executive and senior staff as appropriate.
“This will ensure the vital work of the office continues, as there is no legal provision for the office to function without a Police Ombudsman.
“I have every confidence in all my staff and know they will work diligently and am grateful for their support in recent times.”
