A new Police Service of Northern Ireland online tool that lets the public send information and digital files directly to detectives has produced potentially valuable material in a murder investigation.

The Witness Appeals Service went live on 24 June and allows uploads to the PSNI website without the need to wait on the 101 non-emergency line.

Chief Inspector Peter Haughey said the service is already proving invaluable and that the force is pleased with the level of public uptake.

"Self-reporting is incredibly useful as it gives the public instant access to an online tool which not only has the potential to alert police to ongoing crime, but will also hopefully aid our investigations by providing important evidence and details from eyewitnesses," he said.

One member of the public used the portal to notify police that they had doorbell camera footage which may help detectives establish the movements of those involved in a murder inquiry and build an evidential timeline.

Video relating to a fatal road traffic collision has also been received, along with witness accounts and CCTV showing a vehicle apparently travelling at high speed shortly before the crash.

Footage relating to a dangerous driving investigation and a motorcycle probe has also been submitted. Reported sightings and potentially relevant property information came in after an appeal about high-speed motorcycles in the Banbridge and Lurgan areas.

The service complements an existing non-emergency reporting form on the PSNI website and is available for the public to use on specific investigative appeals.

Haughey said the service will be refined further as police evaluate its effectiveness and how it may be improved.