Security documents related to Biden Northern Ireland visit found in Belfast street
Jack Birle
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Police in Northern Ireland are reportedly investigating a security breach during President Joe Biden‘s visit to the country on Wednesday.
The Belfast Telegraph reports police have begun an investigation after a copy of the “operational order” from the Police Service of Northern Ireland for Biden’s trip was found on a street in Belfast.
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The five page document reportedly contained information on how police officers were deployed around the city and other security plans for Biden’s visit. It was discovered by a listener who called in the BBC’s The Nolan Show.
The caller, who was only identified as “Bill,” said he found the document lying on the ground down the street from his house. He also said it included phone numbers and other “sensitive” information.
A spokesperson for the Police Service of Northern Ireland told BBC Northern Ireland they were “aware” of the security breach.
“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,” the statement said.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland had previously touted security for the visit as the largest “major strategic operation” since the G8 summit in 2013.
“The breadth of this operation has been huge and has involved 2,920 police officers from around Northern Ireland. Extensive planning and preparation has been implemented to ensure the safety and security of the US President, his officials and staff, as well as Prime Minster Sunak and other dignitaries,” Assistant Chief Constable for the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Chris Todd, said in a statement.
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Biden was in Belfast Wednesday to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement which was between the governments of the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Northern Ireland.
The president also met with British Prime Minsiter Rishi Sunak and will travel to Ireland later in the trip.