Police in Northern Ireland arrested a 25-year-old man in Portrush on Tuesday 3 March. The charges involved suspicion of carrying an imitation firearm in a public place and possessing a class B controlled drug. The arrest stemmed from a report of a man with a gun at a shopping centre in Antrim on the afternoon of Sunday 1 March.

Officers interviewed the man and released him on police bail. Further enquiries are ongoing. Police stated the man is not a serving officer.

In a separate matter, police launched a misconduct investigation into an off-duty probationer constable. The probe concerns an incident in the Coleraine area on the evening of Sunday 1 March. Enquiries focus on potential offences related to misuse of police systems.

The officer remains on duty. Police will continue to review the duty status.

Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton said the two incidents have no connection. He noted awareness of social media commentary suggesting a link and described such claims as unhelpful.