The PSNI have confirmed that an investigation into an alleged incident at the home of the Police Ombudsman in September 2023 is still ongoing as Marie Anderson announced her return to the role after a period of illness.
PSNI officers were called to the property in Holywood, Co Down, at 6.30pm on Saturday, September 23, 2023, after a report of a domestic incident. While the exact details of the incident are unclear, it is believed to have taken place over two days.
A man was arrested on suspicion of common assault and was later released with a file sent to the PPS and there had been calls for Marie Anderson to temporarily step down from her role while the incident was investigated.
Ms Anderson was understood to have taken time off from her role in the wake of the incident only to return in March last year before taking an extended period of time off due to illness.
Due to the nature of Ms Anderson's role, the PSNI brought in West Midlands Police to lead the investigation with Chief Constable Jon Boutcher stating in November 2023 that he believed that the investigation would be completed in "weeks rather than months."
In August 2024 PSNI Deputy Chief Constable Chris Todd described the investigation as "significantly more complex than was first anticipated" and said that there were "challenging circumstances beyond the control of the PSNI and the senior investigating officer."
When approached by Belfast Live after Marie Anderson announced her return to the role today, a PSNI spokesperson said: "There is an ongoing police investigation and it would be inappropriate to comment at this time."
West Midlands Police and the Public Prosecution Service have also been approached for comment.
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