Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan has sacked one of her investigators over serious misconduct allegations, it was revealed tonight.
The man was dismissed following an inquiry into complaints lodged by a policeofficer he had been probing.
Mrs O'Loan's office refused to disclose the nature of the alleged offences,but it is understood the Ombudsman was left with no choice.
A spokesman confirmed: "A member of staff has been the subject of an internaldisciplinary process which is now the subject of appeal."
More than 50 investigators work out of the Ombudsman's Belfast headquartersunder the direction of former Metropolitan Police officer Dave Wood.
It is the first time she has had to sack any of her team since her office wasset up in November 2000.
The Ombudsman's role was created as part of the reforms designed to overhaulthe Police Service of Northern Ireland and hold the force to independentaccount.
But Mrs O'Loan has endured a fraught relationship with the force ever since.
The Northern Ireland Police Federation, which represents rank and fileofficers, demanded more information about the dismissal.
A spokesman said: "We need to know if it has any implications for any of thecases he was working on involving any of our members.
"Her office has been occasionally over-zealous which has led to a clouding ofjudgment at times."
It is understood Mrs O'Loan and Mr Wood took the decision to sack theinvestigator during an emergency meeting sometime earlier this year.
Despite their grievances senior police officers tonight privately admitted MrsO'Loan had acted as they expected.
One said: "I didn't have any doubts that if misconduct allegations werebrought to her she would deal with it."
PA