The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has detailed the significant "victim impact, scale and complexity" of an ongoing investigation into a former police officer.

The individual was arrested in December 2025 by Ombudsman investigators on suspicion of more than 10 non-recent offences, including rape, further sexual offences, and misconduct in public office.

The alleged incidents are reported to have taken place between 2000 and 2009 while the individual was a serving officer. Investigators have already carried out a search operation, resulting in the seizure of a large volume of material and digital evidence.

Hugh Hume, Police Ombudsman Chief Executive, commented on the significance of the investigation: "We have identified multiple potential victims, together with a substantial number of witnesses. We have also seized a large volume of material, including a significant amount of digital evidence, during a search operation.

"We understand that this news may be distressing for anyone who has been affected or harmed or who has been harmed by a similar experience.

"We would like to reassure victims that they are not to blame and if they choose to contact us, we will listen, we will investigate and we will do so independently from police.

"As the victim impact, scale and complexity of the investigation have become clear, we are now working to ensure that this investigation is carried out in the most timely manner possible. We are, therefore, allocating all available resources to ensure it will be victim-centred, effective and efficient. "Our resources are finite and this means that the timeliness of our other casework may be affected. However, this is the reality of balancing the demands of our complaints across the Office with the need to progress this complex and expanding investigation. If we do not prioritise now, in the long term we risk compromising the service we provide to complainants and victims, and public confidence in this office and the PSNI," he said.

The Ombudsman said that it encouraged anyone who has concerns about allegations of this nature to contact their Office on 028 9082 8600, or by email: info@policeombudsman.org

The Ombudsman continued: "If you have been affected by this statement and would like independent advice and support, we would encourage you to reach out to organisations which can help.

Victim Support NI provides services which are trauma-informed, confidential, safe, and free. These include Sexual Offences Legal Advisors (SOLAs) who are qualified lawyers who can offer free legal advice and support to adult victims of serious sexual offences.  Tel: 028 9013 0405, Email (Belfast office): belfast@victimsupportni.org.uk, Email (Foyle Office): foyle@victimsupportni.org.uk

"You can also avail of further support from the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline in Northern Ireland, which is for men and women affected by domestic or sexual violence. You can contact the helpline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Tel: 0808 802 1414, Email: help@dsahelpline.org

"Lifeline is a free crisis helpline for people in distress or despair and for those who may be worried about someone else. Lifeline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year. Tel: 0808 808 8000.

"Samaritans is a confidential emotional support service available 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair including those which may lead to suicide, Tel: 116 123."