Police Ombudsman faces calls to step aside amid probe into incident at her home

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Northern Ireland’s Police Ombudsman Marie Anderson is facing calls to step aside during an investigation into an incident at her home. Whilst this investigation continues there should be interim arrangements with Marie Anderson stepping aside until it has been concluded Gavin Robinson, DUP MP The PSNI said West Midlands Police would investigate to assess whether there were any other alleged offences related to the incident. “He was released and a file will be forwarded to the Public Prosecution Service in due course.” They added: “As this investigation is now live we will not be providing any further comment.” A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: “At the request of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, we have agreed to lead an independent investigation following an alleged incident in Co Down in September 2023. “As this investigation is now live, we will not be providing any further comment.” In light of the investigation announced, I feel it would be appropriate that Ms Anderson step down from her role with immediate effect Doug Beattie, UUP leader The Police Ombudsman’s office on Thursday said: “As the PSNI has asked West Midlands Police to lead an investigation into any matters arising from an ‘alleged incident’ in Co Down in September 2023, and given that the investigation is now live, it would be inappropriate for the Police Ombudsman’s office to comment.” Mr Robinson said Ms Anderson should stand aside until the investigation has been concluded.