A document was reportedly found on a street labelled ‘PSNI and sensitive’.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has confirmed that there has been a “security breach” in regard to US President Joe Biden’s Belfast visit.
Biden has begun his much-publicised trip to the island of Ireland, arriving in Belfast on Tuesday evening where he was met by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. After delivering a speech to mark the Good Friday Agreement agreement on Wednesday afternoon, the US President will enter the Republic.
Given the US President’s arrival on the island, huge security operations have been put in place on both sides of the border.
That said, the BBC has reported that a document appearing to provide details of the PSNI’s security operation was discovered by a member of the public lying on a street. The outlet states that the document was labelled “PSNI and sensitive” and that it lists and names police officers in charge of the area around Biden’s hotel.
Joe Biden smiles as he exits Air Force One at RAF Aldergrove on 11 April in Antrim
In a statement to JOE on the matter, the PSNI said:
“We are aware of a security breach.
“An investigation has commenced and we have notified the Senior Information Risk Officer.
“We take the safety of visiting dignitaries, members of the public and our officers and staff extremely seriously and will put the appropriate actions in place.”
Meanwhile, An Garda Síochána has released the following information regarding what counties the US President will visit while in the Republic of Ireland:
- On Wednesday, 12 April, his visit will primarily be concentrated in Louth from the early afternoon.
- On Thursday, 13 April, his visit will primarily be concentrated throughout the day in Phoenix Park and Dublin South City Centre
- On Friday, 14 April, the visit will primarily be concentrated in Mayo from the early afternoon
For information on how Biden’s visit will impact traffic management in these areas, you can check out the Gardaí’s website or their social media pages.
Meanwhile, for live updates on the US President’s time in Ireland, check out JOE’s blog right here.
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