The BBC has ordered two more six-part series of police drama Blue Lights.

Set in Belfast, the drama follows a batch of constables as they navigate policing in a post-conflict Northern Ireland.

The news of series three and four comes ahead of the second series which is set to air this spring.

The show – which was co-created and written by Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson – launched to more than seven million viewers last year.

Mr Lawn told BBC’s Good Morning Ulster programme that he is “slightly blown away… but delighted” to have the show recommissioned.

“It’s really unprecedented thing for a series to be commissioned for series three and four before series two goes out,” he said.

“I remain a bit gobsmacked by it,” he added.

The commission “completely changes the game” for the programme as its writers can plan character arcs over multiple series, Mr Lawn explained.

“It changes everything for the whole team, we know that we’re going to be working on this now for three or maybe up to four years.

“Fundamentally the whole concept of the show changes with this announcement.”

Co-creators and executive producers Stephen Wright, from Two Cities Television and Louise Gallagher from Gallagher Films said: “A two-series recommission is a staggering vote of confidence in Blue Lights – the writers, the cast, the crew and the entire production team.

“The BBC have been exceptional partners who have helped us elevate the show. A big thank you from everyone in the Blue Lights team for the faith and support given to our show; we are working with the best people. There are so many more stories to tell and we can’t wait to get going again with the Blue Lights squad in Belfast.”

Lindsay Salt, BBC’s director of drama, added: “We were bowled over by the reaction to Blue Lights and I’m really pleased to be confirming our commitment to bring two more series of our beloved Belfast drama to air. Adam and Declan have brilliant ideas about where to take the characters next and I can’t wait for viewers to see what’s in store.”

Blue Lights was in the top 10 new drama series of 2023 across all broadcasters and streamers, and the biggest drama series in Northern Ireland in 2023.

BBC Studios will distribute both series internationally in addition to series one and two.