Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman Marie Anderson Takes Temporary Leave Amid Investigation Fallout

Northern Ireland's Police Ombudsman, Marie Anderson, has announced she is taking a temporary leave of absence with immediate effect due to ongoing commentary that she says is detracting from her work with bereaved families. Anderson had planned to retire in December 2025 but decided to step back following the conclusion of an independent investigation into an alleged domestic incident at her home in September 2023. The investigation, conducted by West Midlands Police at the request of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, resulted in a file being sent to the Public Prosecution Service, and a caution was issued to a man who had been arrested and later released. Anderson stated she delegated authority to her office's chief executive and senior staff to ensure continuity of the office's work during her absence. She expressed gratitude to the families who entrusted her and affirmed her confidence in her staff's diligence. Unionist parties had called for her to step aside amid the investigation and subsequent public commentary.