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PSNI investigates loss of officer's laptop and notebook

The PSNI said that inquiries were under way to establish the contents of the notebook
The PSNI said that inquiries were under way to establish the contents of the notebook

The Police Service of Northern Ireland is investigating the loss of a police officer's laptop and notebook after the items fell from a moving vehicle.

A senior officer said sections of the lost notebook remain outstanding and the force is working to establish the contents.

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Todd said: "It is believed the material fell from a moving vehicle on the foreshore stretch of the M2 motorway, on Thursday August 17 around 4.15pm.

"The laptop was immediately deactivated and has been recovered.

"Sections of the notebook remain outstanding.

"Inquiries are under way to establish the contents of the notebook.

"We will be liaising with the Office of the Information Commissioner and have advised the Northern Ireland Policing Board and the Department of Justice.

The news comes just a week after the force suffered a major data breach when the personal details of more than 10,000 officers and staff were mistakenly released.

They include the surname and first initial of every employee, their rank or grade, where they are based and the unit they work in.

Chief Constable Simon Byrne said police believe the information is in the hands of dissident republicans.

Last week the PSNI also revealed that in a separate incident, a document containing the names of officers and staff was stolen along with a police-issue laptop from an officer's car on 6 July.