02/07/2003
Five arrested in intelligence-gathering operation
Five people have been arrested after police uncovered a dissident republican intelligence-gathering operation.
It is believed that members of the Real IRA were using medical records at the Royal Victoria Hospital to target members of the recently established district policing partnerships, politicians and police officers.
Chief constable Hugh Orde revealed details of the operation during today's meeting of the Northern Ireland Policing Board.
He said: "This is an ongoing investigation, in the last 24 hours five people have been arrested in a security related operation.
"It is a substantial operation and it has been very professionally executed and carried out.
"We are looking at material that has been recovered to make sure that if people are being targeted, they are being properly warned so we can look after them and their safety."
It is believed that one staff member at the Royal Victoria Hospital is being questioned by police.
In a statement the hospital said: "We are outraged that a records system designed to help clinical staff treat our patients may have been violated.
"We are deeply concerned for the patients at the centre of this investigation and are sorry for the distress this is causing them and their families.
"Any breach of patient confidentiality will be viewed by us as a gross misconduct and grounds for summary dismissal."
The hospital has set up a helpline for concerned patients which is available on 028 9063 5858 between 9am–5pm, Monday to Friday.
(MB)
It is believed that members of the Real IRA were using medical records at the Royal Victoria Hospital to target members of the recently established district policing partnerships, politicians and police officers.
Chief constable Hugh Orde revealed details of the operation during today's meeting of the Northern Ireland Policing Board.
He said: "This is an ongoing investigation, in the last 24 hours five people have been arrested in a security related operation.
"It is a substantial operation and it has been very professionally executed and carried out.
"We are looking at material that has been recovered to make sure that if people are being targeted, they are being properly warned so we can look after them and their safety."
It is believed that one staff member at the Royal Victoria Hospital is being questioned by police.
In a statement the hospital said: "We are outraged that a records system designed to help clinical staff treat our patients may have been violated.
"We are deeply concerned for the patients at the centre of this investigation and are sorry for the distress this is causing them and their families.
"Any breach of patient confidentiality will be viewed by us as a gross misconduct and grounds for summary dismissal."
The hospital has set up a helpline for concerned patients which is available on 028 9063 5858 between 9am–5pm, Monday to Friday.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 February 2024
Former City Centre Police Station To Become New 74-Bedroom Hotel
A former police station in Belfast city centre is to be redeveloped for a new 74-bedroom hotel. Belfast City Council's Planning Committee approved the development on Queen Street, along with granting Listed Building Consent to bring the building into use again.
Former City Centre Police Station To Become New 74-Bedroom Hotel
A former police station in Belfast city centre is to be redeveloped for a new 74-bedroom hotel. Belfast City Council's Planning Committee approved the development on Queen Street, along with granting Listed Building Consent to bring the building into use again.
26 January 2024
Man Seriously Injured In Collision With Police Car
A man, aged in his 50s, has suffered serious leg injuries following a collision with a police car in east Belfast in the early hours of this morning, Friday 26 January. Shortly after 5.
Man Seriously Injured In Collision With Police Car
A man, aged in his 50s, has suffered serious leg injuries following a collision with a police car in east Belfast in the early hours of this morning, Friday 26 January. Shortly after 5.
03 September 2010
Suspected Brothels Raided In Belfast
Police have raided a number of properties in Belfast that are suspected of being used as brothels. According to reports, a small number of people have been arrested and a number of people, believed to be victims of human trafficking, have been rescued.
Suspected Brothels Raided In Belfast
Police have raided a number of properties in Belfast that are suspected of being used as brothels. According to reports, a small number of people have been arrested and a number of people, believed to be victims of human trafficking, have been rescued.
08 February 2024
Belfast Teenagers Receive Hard-Hitting Road Safety Campaign
A hard-hitting road safety campaign has been presented to more than 1,000 teenagers at Belfast Model School for Girls.
Belfast Teenagers Receive Hard-Hitting Road Safety Campaign
A hard-hitting road safety campaign has been presented to more than 1,000 teenagers at Belfast Model School for Girls.
19 March 2024
Appeal Following Serious Assault And Robbery In Antrim
PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information and witnesses after a man was assaulted and robbed in Antrim during the early hours of Monday, 18 March. The 26-year-old was walking in an alleyway adjacent to Seacash Drive at around 3.50am when he was approached by two men.
Appeal Following Serious Assault And Robbery In Antrim
PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information and witnesses after a man was assaulted and robbed in Antrim during the early hours of Monday, 18 March. The 26-year-old was walking in an alleyway adjacent to Seacash Drive at around 3.50am when he was approached by two men.