Almost three quarters (74%) of people think the PSNI is doing a good or fairly good job, according to the Policing Board's latest 'Perceptions of Police' report.

This compares to a figure of 68% in April 2016. The increase was "statistically significant," the report claimed.

Some 76% of Protestants thought officers do a good job compared with with 73% of Catholics, the latter an increase on last year's figure of 64%.

Some 78% of those surveyed said they were satisfied the force treated people fairly. 85% of Protestants agreed with the statement compared with 73% of Catholics.

And 90% said they had confidence in the PSNI to provide an "ordinary day-to-day" service.

Only half of respondents said they were satisfied with the level of police patrols in their area.