Police officer charged with theft of ammunition from training campus

A serving police officer has been charged after an investigation into the alleged theft of ammunition at the PSNI training college, the Steeple Campus in Antrim.

The 63-year-old was charged with a number of firearm-related offences including theft of ammunition, possession of ammunition in suspicious circumstances, possession of prohibited ammunition and possessing ammunition without a certificate.

He was also charged with taking a vehicle without consent and making or supplying articles for use in frauds.

The officer has been suspended pending the outcome of criminal and misconduct proceedings, it is understood.

Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton said: "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.

"The public rightly expect and demand the highest standards of professionalism and integrity from their police officers."

Det Ch Con Singleton said any such allegations would be investigated "fully and without fear or favour".

He added that the PSNI will now consider the suitability of this case for a fast track misconduct special case hearing alongside criminal proceedings.