Head of NI fire service suspended

The suspension has been described as "precautionary" by the NIFRS. Credit: NIFRS

The head of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service has been suspended.

Gary Thompson joined the service in 1994 as a part-time firefighter and became chief in 2016.

The suspension has been described as "precautionary".

A spokesperson for the service said: "Gary Thompson has been placed onprecautionary suspension with effect from 10 December.

"Precautionary suspension is a neutral action in line with NIFRS policies and procedures."

The spokesperson added: "The NIFRS Board, in conjunction with Department of Health, will now consider and put in place interim arrangements to ensure the continued delivery of our service to the public."