Jon Boutcher

The interim report focuses on the findings of Operation Kenova, the investigation into the alleged activities of the person known as Stakeknife.

Freddie Scappaticci, a high-ranking member of the IRA’s internal security unit (ISU), has always denied being Stakeknife. He died earlier this year.

Jon Boutcher, the former Bedfordshire Police chief constable leading Kenova, said: “I am pleased to announce that the Kenova interim report has now passed national security checking with no changes or redactions.

“It has now been provided to the Public Prosecution Service of Northern Ireland to assess whether the report is prejudicial to any possible future prosecutions.

“I anticipate this will be a relatively expeditious process and, once complete, will be able to provide a further update on the progress of the report to publication.”

Kenova has also taken on several other investigations and reviews since its inception. Separate reports on these will be published in the future.