A serving and former police officer are to be prosecuted for offences including alleged sharing of imagery taken at the scenes of sudden deaths.

Court summons are being prepared and the two officers are expected to appear in court in the coming weeks.

The move by the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) follows evidence submitted in an investigation file by the Police Ombudsman.

The PPS said the investigation was complex and substantial.

They are to be prosecuted for alleged misconduct in public office.

The range of offences include the alleged sharing of imagery taken at the scenes of sudden deaths.

The story came to light last year after a BBC Spotlight investigation revealed the officers were being investigated for allegations they manipulated a person who died by suicide's body and shared photos and a video online.

A few weeks later a second family, the Lennons, told BBC Newsline that a police officer was being investigated after allegedly trying to share images of their dead brother.

Jim Lennon was 46-years-old when he took his own life in 2012.

It is understood it is the same officer who has since been sacked from the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

The other police officer in this investigation is currently suspended.

In a separate but connected case, a man appeared in court last month charged with three counts of improper use of a public electronic communications network and the alleged sharing of imagery captured at the scenes of sudden deaths.

The PPS said it followed a decision to "prosecute one individual for three counts of improper use of a public electronic communications network contrary to the Communications Act 2003 following the submission of a separate file by the PSNI".

It added that this person was "being prosecuted in connection with the alleged sharing of imagery captured at the scenes of sudden deaths".

That case is due in court again next month.

"Four families connected to one or both investigations after the death of a loved one in sudden circumstances have been informed of the outcome of their respective files by the PPS," a spokesperson added.

PPS assistant director Martin Hardy said the PPS "would continue to engage with the families involved as the two separate prosecutions progress".

(editor-in-charge：news)