PSNI Will Not Be Deterred From Delivering 'Visible Policing Service'

The Police Service of Northern Ireland will not be deterred from delivering a "visible, accessible and responsive community focused policing service", PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne has said.

Addressing the increase of the Northern Ireland Related Terrorism threat level, Chief Constable Byrne said: "Today the threat level has been increased from substantial to severe by MI5. The independent assessment means the threat has moved from an attack is 'likely' to an attack is 'highly likely'.

"This is part of an ongoing process of monitoring the threat level in Northern Ireland, which is conducted by MI5. We have spoken publicly about the number of attacks that have taken place in recent months, not least the attempted murder of DCI John Caldwell on February 22.

"We will relentlessly pursue those who seek to cause harm and terrorise our communities, and attack my officers and staff, and I pay tribute to them as they continue to deliver for our communities.

"I would also like to thank the community and political leaders of Northern Ireland for their overwhelming support for the Police Service in recent times.

"We will not be deterred from delivering a visible, accessible and responsive community focused policing service to keep people safe."