Sir Jeffrey Donaldson: PSNI detects no offence over DUP leader threat claim

No criminal offences have been detected by police investigating alleged threats made against Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland has said it has concluded its investigation, following inquiries.

Sir Jeffrey said: "A decision was made not to press charges."

Last month, Sir Jeffrey told MPs he had been threatened due to a "stirring up" of tensions over his party's talks on returning to power-sharing at Stormont.

The DUP later said the matter had been reported to the PSNI.

At the time, a party spokesman said there was "no place for the threat of violence in democratic politics" and that "we trust those responsible will be held accountable for their actions".

In a statement, a PSNI spokesman said: "Enquiries were made, no offences were detected and the investigation has now concluded."

Sir Jeffrey referred to the threats during an impassioned speech in the House of Commons.

At the time, the DUP was blocking Northern Ireland's devolved institutions in protest over Brexit trade rules.

The party had been in talks with the government, seeking changes to the arrangements for Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework.

• 'I won't be deflected after threats' - DUP leader

• Threats against Donaldson reported to PSNI, says DUP

• Sir Jeffrey Donaldson's leadership moment

He hit out at his unionist critics, saying that some were attempting to "orchestrate opposition".

The following week, the DUP endorsed a deal to restore Stormont and the power-sharing institutions were later re-established.

In a statement on Thursday, Sir Jeffrey said: "I thank the police for their investigative efforts. A decision was made not to press charges.

"Those who made the threats now know they are not beyond the reach of the law.

"They cannot threaten people in public life and stay anonymous from the police."

The DUP leader said he wanted to see more people in public life "where issues are debated and discussed through democratic politics alone".

"We must stand against those who would seek to bully with violent threats," he added.

"I wasn't intimidated out of politics 30 years ago and I won't be intimidated in 2024."