'Sensitive' papers being examined

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/7264211.stm

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Detectives from the serious crime branch and officials from the Northern Ireland Court Service are examining government files found in outbuildings.

Bundles of documents, some described as sensitive, were found by a member of the public near Ballygawley in County Tyrone.

The papers were discovered in filing cabinets during a search of premises at Todds Leap Road.

Lord Maurice Morrow, MLA, urged the secretary of state to order an inquiry.

"It is quite outrageous that documents or files of a confidential nature should appear just like this. It is totally unacceptable," he said.

"The court service and security are non-devolved matters and those are issues for the Northern Ireland Office."

The files are being linked to the criminal justice system.

The Court Service confirmed that some of the documents belong to them and date back to the 1970s and 80s.

It is not clear if the documents relate to any other government agency or the police. There is no suggestion at this stage that the files were stolen.

The owner of the premises was not arrested and the search was carried out with the owner's consent.