Statement by TUV Lagan River council candidate Sammy Morrison:
“I welcome the fact that the Police Ombudsman has opened an investigation into policies and practice when interacting with vulnerable people.
“In one particular case, that of Lily Rawson, deeply troubling questions have been raised not only about the response of health professionals but the adequacy of the PSNI response. Many of these matters were raised in a Spotlight programme broadcast some months ago. The fact that the case has been raised with the Ombudsman has, I believe, resulted in a reluctance on the part of statutory agencies to fully explore the background of this matter.
“I welcome the fact that the Ombudsman has submitted a misconduct and policy file to the PSNI Professional Standards Department on the issue.
“I commend the family of Mrs Rawson who have refused to relent on this issue and trust that the investigation launched today will be the first step in bringing to light the full details of what appears to be a most troubling case”.