Assistant commissioner Eddie Rock has begun an inquiry into an internal Quinn Direct memo obtained by this newspaper.

Rock, who is in charge of the traffic corps, is likely to interview senior executives in Quinn Direct as part of his investigation.

Rock is one of the force's most experienced investigators; he has trained at FBI headquarters in Quantico and is a former member of the Special Branch.

The data protection commissioner has also contacted the insurance company. A formal investigation will be launched if the commissioner, Billy Hawkes, is not satisfied with the response received.

A spokesperson for the data protection commissioner said: "We have been in formal contact with the company and if we find evidence we will launch a formal investigation.

"We are taking the allegations seriously."

Quinn Direct has denied the Sunday Tribune claims, saying they are false and the memo is a forgery.