Image copyright NIFRS Image caption Gary Thompson was appointed to his current role in 2016

The head of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) has been placed on precautionary suspension, the organisation has said.

Gary Thompson, who was appointed to his current role in 2016, has worked for the NIFRS for more than 20 years.

In a statement, the NIFRS said his precautionary suspension had taken place with immediate effect.

It added that precautionary suspension "is a neutral action in line with NIFRS policies and procedures".

NIFRS said it was "not in a position to make any further comment at this time".

"The NIFRS board, in conjunction with Department of Health, will now consider and put in place interim arrangements to ensure the continued delivery of our service to the public," it added.

Last month, the BBC's Spotlight programme claimed that Gary Thompson had been involved in a failed property investment scheme which fire fighters had been encouraged to invest in.

The fire service has not said whether the suspension is connected in any way with Spotlight's programme.