POLICE are investigating after an officer left a gun at a Co Down hotel.
It is understood the officer was on holiday at the seaside resort of Newcastle and the gun was found by cleaning staff at the hotel after the officer and a guest checked out.
The PSNI was contacted and the officer, who is understood to be Belfast-based, was later told of the investigation.
The service's Professional Standards Department (PSD) is reported to have launched an investigation into the incident.
A PSNI spokeswoman confirmed: "A suspected firearm was recovered from premises on South Promenade in Newcastle on Monday 30th August.
"Enquiries are continuing in relation to this incident."
The Belfast Telegraph reported that officers have been reminded of safety protocols when carrying weapons off duty.
In 2011 a similar investigation was launched when a gun and ammunition was left on a child's bed at a house in north Belfast after the property was searched by police.