Orde defence on PSNI intelligence

Hugh Orde has defended the PSNI's intelligence gathering

The Chief Constable of the PSNI, Hugh Orde, has defended his force against criticism of its intelligence gathering capabilities.

It follows the robbery in Belfast city centre at the weekend in which about £118,000 was stolen from Boots.

Former chairman of the Police Federation, Jimmy Spratt, said intelligence on such crimes "was now non-existent".

But Mr Orde said the PSNI's systems were among the world's most advanced.

Mr Spratt, who is now a DUP councillor, said he believed there was a reluctance on the part of the police to say there was paramilitary involvement in the robbery at the Boots store.

"If you look at the robberies that are taking place, there doesn't appear to be any intelligence coming in that the police are able to prevent any of these robberies taking place.

"The police service are now just not getting intelligence at all - all of the intelligence structures are completely stripped," Mr Spratt said.

Orde comments

But Hugh Orde said: "I'm very proud of my officers that work in the intelligence gathering systems here. It is fit for purpose.

"It is a very competent, capable and comprehensive system.

"We have one of the most advanced intelligence systems in the world."

£118,000 was stolen from the Boots store in Belfast city centre

On Monday, police said paramilitary involvement in Saturday's robbery at Boots was not their main line of inquiry.

It is thought a gang of six to 10 people was involved in the robbery.

The families of two members of staff were held hostage while the robbery took place.

The cash, which was hidden in sports bags, was handed over to the thieves at Wellington Place at about 0915 BST.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Gilchrist said police were concentrating on criminal involvement.

"The investigation's at a very early stage. I'm saying at this stage paramilitary involvement is not our main line of inquiry," Mr Gilchrist said.

The chief constable made his comments on Tuesday as his force unveiled a new helicopter which will be operational from June.