PSNI face 'drastic cash cuts'

Area commander Ryan Henderson told members at the latest meeting of Larne District Policing Partnership that there could be some “radical changes” ahead and that some difficult choices would have to be made.

He added: “The financial position in Northern Ireland means there will be less of everything, as the police budget will be in competition with other areas such as health, education and housing.

“Policing will not be exempt from cuts and we will have to fight our case. The private sector will not grow unless there is a safe future for Northern Ireland. We may be moving towards policing a peaceful society, but the terrorist threat remains severe at a national level. The cuts could be drastic and we have to argue that it is worth investing in policing.”

DPP member Marty McToal asked Mr Henderson if the cuts could potentially lead to the closure of Larne police station, or a reduction in its opening hours. However, the area commander was quick to allay fears that the station was under any threat.