The PSNI has defended its decision to allow three officers to travel to Spain to attend the opening of an Ikea store.
The officers spent three days in Malaga in October ahead of the opening of the Swedish furniture company's largest UK store in east Belfast on Thursday.
A spokeswoman said the trip allowed the officers to gain an insight into the opening of a similar sized Ikea store.
BBC News understands Ikea covered all costs associated with the officers' trip.
"The three officers have been involved in the planning operation for the opening of an Ikea store in Belfast and travelled to Spain at the specific request of the store," said the PSNI.
"The officers travelled to liaise with experienced Ikea staff on their procedures, planning and management of the opening of a similar sized store in Malaga."
Helicopter
Dozens of officers as well as a PSNI helicopter are expected to be deployed during the opening of the first Ikea store on the island of Ireland on Thursday.
The opening of the 29,000sq metre store at the Holywood Exchange is expected to cause major traffic disruption.
PSNI officers are also understood to have travelled to other parts of the UK in the past year to attend Ikea store openings.
An Ikea spokeswoman, commenting specifically on the Malaga trip, said: "Over the past number of months Ikea Belfast's dedicated risk management team has been working closely with PSNI officers and the DRD to minimise any potential traffic disruption on opening day and during the festive season.
"The trip provided the officers with important and practical experience of what to expect at an Ikea store opening."
^ Back to top | BBC Sport Home | BBC Homepage | Contact us | Help | ©
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~40~RS~)