Detectives from the Serious Crime Branch have formally charged a currently serving police officer in connection with the alleged theft of ammunition from police property.

The 63-year-old officer has been charged with a range of offences related to firearms. These include the theft of ammunition, possession of ammunition in suspicious circumstances, possession of prohibited ammunition, and possessing ammunition without a certificate.

In addition to the firearm counts, the officer also faces charges for other offences, specifically taking a vehicle without consent and making or supplying articles for use in frauds.

The Public Prosecution Service is set to review all charges, which is standard procedure. Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton released a comment on the situation, stating: "The public rightly expect and demand the highest standards of professionalism and integrity from their police officers. These values are fundamental to public trust and police legitimacy.

"Where any officers conduct is alleged to fall short of these standards, particularly where criminal activity is suspected, we will, as this case demonstrated investigate fully and without fear or favour.

"The sensitivity of the material which is alleged to have been stolen by this officer is obvious and makes their alleged actions all the more egregious. As in every case a review is underway into all the circumstances surrounding this incident. We will now consider the suitability of this case for a fast track misconduct special case hearing alongside criminal proceedings."