Former Justice Minister Claire Sugden asked Department of Justice officials last year to review the existing laws around stalking and identify the value of a specific offence of stalking.

Her officials were engaging with counterparts in England, Wales and Scotland, where a stalking offence already exists.

However, there has been no progress on this amid the wider political deadlock in Northern Ireland.

Vicky Clarke, founder of Stalking NI, told the Belfast Telegraph that prosecutions are currently being brought under the Protection from Harassment Order (NI) 1997, which is “not fit for purpose”.

She added: “Due to our current ministerial situation, stalking legislation has been put on hold, albeit along with all other business.

“It is vital that the PSNI is equipped sooner rather than later to bring this crime to prosecution.”