The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) said yesterday that it had taken the decision to prosecute following the consideration of evidence submitted in an investigation file by the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland.

“After careful consideration of the complex and substantial file submitted by the Police Ombudsman in connection with its Operation Warwick investigation, it has been decided that there is sufficient evidence to prosecute the two officers reported for misconduct in public office,” the PPS said.

“The prosecutions relate to numerous incidents including the alleged sharing of imagery taken at the scenes of sudden deaths.”

Another individual is already being prosecuted in connection with the sharing of the images for three counts of improper use of a public electronic communications network contrary to the Communications Act 2003.

Four families connected to one or both investigations after the death of a loved one in sudden circumstances have been informed of the outcome of their respective files by the PPS.

PPS assistant director Martin Hardy said the PPS would continue to engage with the families involved as the two separate prosecutions progress.