Officer critised for driving car with GAA flag out window

The PSNI Chief Constable has criticised an officer who was filmed driving his police car with a flag out the window during celebrations of Armagh's All-Ireland football win.

It happened in the village of Camlough, Co Armagh, on Sunday evening.

Social media footage showed the officer driving around a small roundabout, before stopping to collect a flag and then driving the car while holding it out the window.

Several other vehicles had to move out of the officer's way as he turned the vehicle in a side road and back onto the main road.

The matter was raised at the public session of the Northern Ireland Policing Board.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said the video showed behaviour which was "at best, irresponsible" and at variance with police road safety messaging.

He said he had received messages calling for the officer's sacking, and also for him to be commended for joining in the celebrations.

He said that an internal investigation had begun, but no one was being "suspended, sacked or relocated".

"My reaction to that footage is very straightforward.

"We are the police, and that privilege and responsibility demands that, at all times, we act professionally and independently.

"That did not happen on Sunday night in Camlough.

"I am very alive to the polarised commentary which has taken place since the footage came to light which again demonstrates that policing in Northern Ireland remains a lightning rod for societal views.

"I have had many telephone calls in both condemnation and support of the officers' actions.

"Some have asked for the officers to be suspended and even dismissed whilst others have supported the officers and called for commendations for them.

"Let me be crystal clear, no one is being suspended or dismissed, however, nor