An Enniskillen born journalist has been arrested over the suspected theft of confidential documents relating to the Loughinisland massacre, it has been reported.
Award winning investigative journalists Trevor Birney and Barry McCaffrey were arrested this morning, the producer of a film about the incident has confirmed.
According to the Police Service of Northern Ireland detectives from Durham Constabulary, supported by officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland searched three Belfast properties on Friday morning.
The men, aged 51 and 48, are being questioned at Musgrave Police Station.
Mr. Birney is a former journalist with The Impartial Reporter.
The PSNI told the Belfast Telegraph that a number of documents and computer equipment seized during the raids will be examined by specialist officers in the coming days.
A spokeswoman said: "This morning's arrests are a significant development in what has been a complex investigation.
"The terms of reference given to our inquiry were clear in that the investigation is solely into the alleged theft of material from PONI.
"The theft of these documents potentially puts lives at risk and we will follow the evidence wherever it leads us."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here