Castlereagh break-in is a matter of national security

The Northern Ireland Secretary of State is to appoint a "distinguished independent figure" to examine the wider national security aspects of the break-in at Castlereagh Police Complex.

Dr Reid said: "The Special Branch of the Police Service of Northern Ireland is responsible for matters which are crucial not only for the safety of people in Northern Ireland but for national security more generally.

"It is essential therefore that we establish the facts surrounding this serious incident as quickly as possible and ensure, in the national interest, that all necessary remedial action has been taken."

Although police sources initially denied that material had been taken, it was later confirmed that sensitive documents were removed during the raid. There are worries that the break-in at Castlereagh Police Complex may have put lives at risk.

In the attack, three masked men, who are thought to have entered the building just before 11 am, attacked a Special Branch police officer. The raiders tied up and beat the officer, who was working in the Special Branch section of the complex, when the attack occurred.

Security sources concur that the break in at Castlereagh police complex has all the hallmarks of an inside job. According to reports, the men passed a security checkpoint, went through keypad access controlled doors and opened secure cabinets.

Policing Board member SDLP MLA for West Tyrone, Joe Byrne, said: "This is a very worrying development. Highly sensitive files have gone missing and this has the potential to put lives in danger. The thieves appeared to have knowledge of the layout of the offices within Castlereagh police complex and knew what they were looking for."

Mr Byrne Called on the Chief Constable to make a public statement and to ensure that the investigation into the incident was conducted in a "transparent fashion". He said that no attempt should be made to block the investigating officer's enquiries.

The Police Complex was cordoned off on Monday as forensic experts examined the scene of the break-in.

One of the Police Service of Northern Ireland's most senior officers, Chief Superintendent Phil Wright, will be in charge of the investigation. His appointment followed a meeting of senior police offices including Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan, which was held at Castlereagh on Monday.

In a statement made on Tuesday, the Chief Constable said that the incident had been referred to the Police Ombudsman.

(SP)