29/01/2026
Police Ombudsman Investigates PSNI Handling Of Past Allegations
The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has launched an investigation into the PSNI’s handling of prior allegations made against a former officer during his period of service.
This latest probe is connected to an active, ongoing case involving the same individual, who was arrested in December 2025. That arrest related to more than 10 suspected non-recent offences allegedly committed between 2000 and 2009, including misconduct in public office and several serious sexual offences.
The Ombudsman’s investigation will specifically scrutinise how the police service responded to and managed the allegations made against the officer at the time they were first reported.
Police Ombudsman Chief Executive, Hugh Hume, said: “This investigation centres on how a number of allegations made against the police officer were handled at that time.”
Mr Hume continued: “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.”
The Office of the Police Ombudsman has encouraged anyone with concerns regarding allegations of this nature to come forward. Members of the public can contact the office directly on 028 9082 8600.
This latest probe is connected to an active, ongoing case involving the same individual, who was arrested in December 2025. That arrest related to more than 10 suspected non-recent offences allegedly committed between 2000 and 2009, including misconduct in public office and several serious sexual offences.
Police Ombudsman Chief Executive, Hugh Hume, said: “This investigation centres on how a number of allegations made against the police officer were handled at that time.”
Mr Hume continued: “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.”
The Office of the Police Ombudsman has encouraged anyone with concerns regarding allegations of this nature to come forward. Members of the public can contact the office directly on 028 9082 8600.
Latest Northern Ireland News
29 January 2026
Police Ombudsman Investigates PSNI Handling Of Past Allegations
The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has launched an investigation into the PSNI’s handling of prior allegations made against a former officer during his period of service. This latest probe is connected to an active, ongoing case involving the same individual, who was arrested in December 2025.
Police Ombudsman Investigates PSNI Handling Of Past Allegations
The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has launched an investigation into the PSNI’s handling of prior allegations made against a former officer during his period of service. This latest probe is connected to an active, ongoing case involving the same individual, who was arrested in December 2025.
29 January 2026
Pedestrian Dies Following Coalisland Collision
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Pedestrian Dies Following Coalisland Collision
A 71-year-old man has died following a road traffic collision in Coalisland on Wednesday, 28th January. The victim has been named by the PSNI as Gerard Rafferty, known locally as 'Jock', who was from the Coalisland area. The incident occurred shortly after midday when a vehicle collided with a commercial premises and struck a pedestrian.
29 January 2026
SDLP Launches 'Save Our Pubs' Campaign
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29 January 2026
Red Bull Soapbox Race To Return To Belfast This Spring
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29 January 2026
Ministers Visit Footprints Women's Centre To Launch New Justice Project
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29 January 2026
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29 January 2026
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Detectives from the PSNI's Organised Crime Branch have arrested two individuals following a planned search operation in Draperstown on Wednesday, 28th January. The search, which targeted a residential property in the Bradley Park area, resulted in the recovery of a significant quantity of suspected Class A and Class B controlled drugs.
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29 January 2026
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Cash Stolen During North Belfast Residential Burglary
Detectives in North Belfast are investigating a burglary that took place at a residential property on Tuesday, 27th January. The incident occurred in the Hogarth Street area while the house was empty. It is understood that entry was forced through a rear window at some point between 6.45pm and 9pm.
29 January 2026
Alliance Party Welcomes Progress On NI's Environmental Recovery
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29 January 2026
Police Investigate Arson Attack In Markethill
The PSNI is appealing for information after a suspected petrol bomb was thrown at a house in Markethill during the early hours of Wednesday, 28th January. Emergency services were alerted to the incident in the Bunker Hill area at approximately 3.40am.
Police Investigate Arson Attack In Markethill
The PSNI is appealing for information after a suspected petrol bomb was thrown at a house in Markethill during the early hours of Wednesday, 28th January. Emergency services were alerted to the incident in the Bunker Hill area at approximately 3.40am.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.