County Derry woman refutes claims on poster linking her to the PSNI

A County Derry woman has refuted claims that she is a serving member of the PSNI.

A poster was erected in Dungiven on Thursday night claiming to disclose personal details on three serving police officers. The poster was erected in the Chapel Road area of the village.

The poster was placed in the shelter weeks after the details of about 10,000 officers and staff were mistakenly released online in a major PSNI data breach.

However, providing an update on the Dungiven investigation on Friday evening, PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Chris Todd said the information purportedly revealed by the poster was incorrect.

“This was a clear attempt to intimidate police officers, staff and their families, but police can confirm that the information contained on the poster is incorrect,” he said.

A local woman, named on the poster, has strongly rejected the claims.

In a statement, released through her solicitors Madden & Finucane, the woman said: “My personal information was written on the poster that was put up in Dungiven that linked myself, my partner and two other named individuals to the PSNI.

"I live in a small rural village and everyone in the area who has seen the poster thinks that it is referring to me, although everyone would know that I am not a police officer.

“I can categorically clarify that I am not a serving police officer and I have never been employed by the police in any capacity. This is just plain wrong and I am outraged that I have now potentially been made a target for an imminent attack on my life."

The woman hit out at the PSNI, who she claims refused her request to issue a statement confirming she is not a police officer.

"I am left deeply upset and concerned about the situation and am disappointed that the PSNI refused my request to issue a statement confirming that I am not a police officer."

Her solicitor Michael Madden added: “The PSNI initially stated that those named on the poster are serving police officers. My

client has been identified as being one of those named on the poster however she is not a serving officer and never has been.

"The PSNI have since issued another statement to confirm that the information on the poster is inaccurate however it does not state what information is inaccurate.

"My client does not feel that the latest PSNI statement goes far enough to allay her concerns for her safety.

"I have contacted the PSNI and hope to find a resolution that protects our client’s safety and well-being.”