Northern Ireland secretary welcomes police chief's apology over Twitter row

The Secretary of State says he supports the PSNI's chief constable despite controversial comments made on Twitter over the weekend. 

George Hamilton was involved in a conversation where he said disgruntled officers should 'dry your eyes, do the job or move on'. 

The police chief was forced to appogise yesterday after it was claimed he was out of touch with his staff. 

The Twitter user had challenged the chief constable's call for people to consider a career in the force. 

Mr Hamilton later posted a video online saying: "Last night's frank Twitter conversation was what the police actually do. 

However, such important issues are not best dealt with in the 140 characters of a tweet.

Secretary of State James Brokenshire told QRadio "I recognise the incredible job the PSNI do to keep us safe here in Northern Ireland. 

"The Chief Constable has issued a fullsome appology in relation to comments made on twitter.

"I think that is best left there, and we focus rightly on the policing of Northern Ireland and the work that is done to keep us safe. 

"And, to recognise the work the chief constable and his officers are doing in our community."