The home of a senior barrister who was appointed to review the assessment of paramilitary organisations in Northern Ireland has been burgled.

A break-in took place at the North Down home of Stephen Shaw QC, one of the three members of the Independent Review Panel, and a number of items were stolen. It is understood that none of them were electronic devices.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland has said it does not believe there was a political motive behind the crime.

In a statement, Superintendent Brian Kee said: “Police can confirm that a burglary took place at the home of one of the members of the Independent Review Panel into paramilitary organisations recently.

“Police have carried out a full and thorough investigation and there is no evidence to suggest that this was a targeted burglary.

“There have been a number of other burglaries at high value properties in the same area in recent weeks.”

Mr Shaw was called to the bar in 1980 and has been senior counsel (QC) since December 2001. He concentrates on commercial, chancery and public law.