Un earthing of new files halts probes into murders by loyalists

THE Police Ombudsman is to further delay publication of three reports on loyalist murders after the emergence of additional documentation, it has emerged.

The material was found during new PSNI searches of its Troubles archives.

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable George Clarke said he realised how “frustrating and upsetting” the delay was for the families involved.

One of the reports includes the attack at Sean Graham bookmakers in Belfast in 1992, the BBC reported.

The Ombudsman is also preparing reports on loyalist terrorist activities in the north west and the murder of Damien Walsh in Belfast in 1993.

Police Ombudsman Marie Anderson said she was made aware of the development around three weeks ago.

“To date we do not see anything which would cause concern or lead us to commence new lines of inquiry,” she told the BBC.

The delay is the second time the PSNI has found material related to the reports which was not disclosed in the first instance.

In February the PSNI apologised after finding significant information on computer files which had been overlooked. An internal review was launched and improvements made to systems. The newly discovered material coincided with a recent IT upgrade.

Belfast solicitor Niall Murphy said the families fear police are attempting to “hold off on the truth until the families have passed away”.

He said: “Families have a legitimate expectation that the Police Ombudsman will have unfettered access to all sensitive documentation.

“The fact is that has not happened. That is a matter of great distress to the families today.

“From the families’ perspective, it’s distressing, disappointing but not surprising.”

Sinn Fein victims and legacy spokesperson Linda Dillon said the delay to the reports after the emergence of additional documentation was “appalling and unacceptable”.

“It’s important to remember it is the families of victims who are being let down once again,” she said. “These families, many of whose loved ones were killed by loyalist death squads in collusion with the British state, have been waiting decades for truth and justice. Justice delayed is justice denied.

“Many people will see this as further evidence the cover-up of the role of British State forces in the conflict is systemic.”