Detectives in Northern Ireland investigating the theft of police Special Branch files are seeking the extradition of a man from the United States.

A Special Branch officer was assaulted when three men entered an office inside the police headquarters at Castlereagh on 17 March.

The chef, who worked at the Castlereagh police complex, left for New York after confidential documents on anti-terrorist informants were stolen in March when intruders broke in.

To date none of the missing papers have been recovered and nobody has been charged with the St Patrick’s night break-in.

Assistant Chief Constable for Belfast Alan McQuillan said: “A file is being prepared for consideration by the Director of Public Prosecutions to seek the extradition of an individual currently in the United States.”

Mr McQuillan also confirmed that nine experienced officers from the Metropolitan Police had been brought in to review the investigation which is expected to last up to three months.

Another separate investigation into the incident by former senior civil servant Sir John Chilcot who will report directly to Northern Ireland Secretary John Reid is also underway.

Despite denials by Sinn Féin, security sources are continuing to link the IRA to the raid.

(AMcE)