The force recently released images of proposed new branding featuring the crest alongside the words “Police Service NI”.

However, there was a negative backlash from unionist politicians and some officers over the exclusion of the full words “Northern Ireland” in a simplified version of the new branding.

Chief Constable Simon Byrne confirmed yesterday that the simplified version, with a solid white version of the PSNI crest, would no longer go to consultation following a “strong reaction from some”.

He noted that the name of the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the crest is “enshrined in law” and “will not be changing”.

Mr Byrne said: “I have listened to the feedback and as a result can confirm that the simplified white version of the crest planned for use on social media and digital platforms will not now form part of the public consultation and will no longer be used.

“In the spirit of openness I was prepared to test other ideas and was keen to start an initial conversation. I want to move away from the use of the acronym PSNI and focus more on the word ‘police’. I am keen to develop this. Indeed, our social media platforms have recently been updated to reflect this.

“We will continue with our plans to launch our public consultation later this year and would welcome the feedback and contribution from all our communities to help shape the look and feel of the Police Service of Northern Ireland.”