A leaked document containing redacted information about PSNI officers has been posted near Sinn Féin’s offices in Belfast, the party has said. 

The party said the document also contained a picture of the party’s policing spokesperson Gerry Kelly and a threatening message.

Last week, a member of staff at the police force was replying to a Freedom of Information request when they accidentally posted the surname, initial, rank or grade, the location and the departments of all PSNI employees.

The threat level for terrorism in Northern Ireland is considered ‘severe’ by the British Government and officers are concerned the leak has put their safety at risk.

Sinn Féin has denounced those who posted the document and said they would not be “intimidated” by them.

"This is a very obvious attempt by dissident republicans to intimidate me," Mr Kelly said.

"Even more sinister, this is a very public indication that the dissidents do have access to the sensitive information in the data leak document, it, therefore, represents a very real threat to the officers, and the civilian staff involved.

"I have of course reported this incident to the PSNI and I would appeal to anyone with information to bring that information forward.

"Sinn Féin represents the vast majority of people in the nationalist community and we will certainly not be intimidated by dissident groups who have virtually no support and who offer nothing but disruption and threats in an attempt to make themselves relevant.

"They should disband and end their anti-community activities."

Emblem of the PSNI Police Service of Northern Ireland.

The PSNI said they had been informed and had begun investigating the incident.

"From the outset we have been planning for this potential development and that plan is now being put into place,” Assistant Chief Constable Chris Todd said.

"We recognise the impact this may have on our officers, staff and their families and additional security and reassurance patrols have already been implemented across Northern Ireland as part of our organisational response.

"The safety and welfare of our officers and staff remains our priority and we have reminded them of their personal safety and security both on and off duty."

Main image: Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly. Picture by: Alamy.com