An anonymous former PSNI officer has admitted that his allegations of anti-Catholic sectarianism within the Police Service were entirely made up.

According to a report from the News Letter, the former officer, known publicly only as 'Sean', has retracted all claims and is seeking forgiveness from his former colleagues for the "hurt" he inflicted. He cited being unwell and vulnerable as his reason for inventing the accusations but declined to elaborate publicly.

In response to the retraction, PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher issued a statement acknowledging Sean's "courageous decision" and urging respect for his plea for privacy.

Boutcher said: "I want to acknowledge Sean's courageous decision to issue this statement and I urge everyone to respect Sean's plea for privacy. I was aware that Sean may provide a retraction but have deliberately waited for him to take this step before commenting.

"I have said publicly and very clearly to the Policing Board and reiterate again now, there was no sectarianism in this case. I am grateful to Sean for setting the record straight and for the dignity and professionalism displayed by his serving and retired colleagues during this challenging time. They are a credit to policing.

"After my meeting with Sean I described him as a decent man and his statement of retraction is nothing short of what I expected. To their huge credit the very colleagues Sean criticised also described him to me as a good and decent man. Those colleagues (retired and serving) behaved impeccably through this period and have demonstrated immense humility and generosity towards Sean. As I have already stated publicly, they have my full support.

"The PSNI will provide Sean with whatever welfare support he requires. He was clearly vulnerable and this was evident to me when I met him.”