A police officer and former officer in Northern Ireland are facing prosecution, following the leaking of images from the scenes of sudden deaths.

The two will be prosecuted for alleged misconduct in public office, a decision announced by the region’s Public Prosecution Service (PPS).

It is understood that one of the officers has already been dismissed from the Police Service of Northern Ireland while the other has been suspended.

The prosecution is being launched by the PPS in response to evidence contained in an investigation file by the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland.

The Operation Warwick investigation examined a number of incidents, including the alleged sharing of images taken at the scenes of sudden deaths.

It has already resulted in a decision to prosecute one person for three counts of improper use of a public electronic communications network contrary to the Communications Act 2003.

Following the submission of a separate file by the PSNI, the individual is being prosecuted in connection with the alleged sharing of imagery captured at the scenes of sudden deaths.

That case is at the hearing stage.

Four families connected to the investigations after the death of a loved one are being kept informed, the PPS said.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “The criminal investigation is being carried out by the Police Ombudsman.

“It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”