A Police Ombudsman investigation has determined that officers did not use excessive force during an incident involving a toy water pistol that was initially reported as a credible firearm.

The event took place in September 2025 in Belfast. Armed Response Officers were deployed following reports that a gun had been sighted inside a moving vehicle. Although the item was later identified as a toy, investigators found that the police were correct to treat the situation as a potentially serious threat based on the information available at the time.

Evidence reviewed by the Ombudsman's team, including CCTV and Body Worn Video, showed the complainant exiting the car and placing his hands on his head as directed. He was subsequently brought to the ground by two officers. One officer explained to investigators that he made a "split-second decision" to take the man to the ground after believing his left hand had moved downwards, creating a high-risk scenario.

While the specific movement was not clearly captured on video, the Ombudsman noted that the officer's account was consistent with both his notebook entries and the recorded motion of his own hands during the struggle. The investigation assessed whether the level of force was necessary and proportionate. Given the nature of the report and the officer's credible belief regarding the man's hand movement, the Ombudsman concluded that bringing the individual to the ground and maintaining control until he was handcuffed fell within the bounds of reasonable force.

The inquiry also addressed a separate complaint regarding an officer using the water pistol at the scene. The officer admitted to spraying the toy once at the ground, stating his intention was to de‑escalate a traumatic situation for those involved, noting that the complainant's friends were already engaging positively with police. While the act was labelled unprofessional for an Armed Response deployment, the Ombudsman accepted the explanation and did not recommend further action.

Senior Investigator, Martin McCaffery, said: "Having carefully assessed the evidence, including the reports made to police by members of the public, we are satisfied that there is no evidence to suspect that the officers have conducted themselves in a manner that would warrant a recommendation for either criminal or misconduct sanctions. It is important that all such actions by police are independently and robustly investigated to ensure that the use of force by police is necessary, justified and proportionate in the circumstances."