Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton said: “Police arrested a 25 year old man on suspicion of carrying an imitation firearm in a public place and possession of a class B controlled drug in the Portrush area on Tuesday 3 March. The arrest followed a report of a male with a gun at a shopping centre in Antrim on the afternoon of Sunday 1 March. 

“The male was interviewed and released on police bail to allow for further enquiries.  This male is not a serving police officer.

“In an unrelated matter police are investigating the circumstances of an incident involving an off duty probationer constable in the Coleraine area on the evening of Sunday 1 March.

"Police have commenced a misconduct investigation and enquires are ongoing to establish if the officer has committed any offences relating to the misuse of police systems.  The officer has not been suspended and their duty status will be kept under review.

“We are aware of commentary on social media linking these two incidents.  This is unhelpful, they are not connected in any way.”