IRA pub bombing suspects named

TWO prime suspects in the IRA’s Birmingham pub bombings, which killed 21 in 1974, will be named tonight in an ITV documentary.

James Francis Gavin and another man will be linked to the bombs at the Mulberry Bush and the Tavern In the Town, which also left 220 injured.

Six men – the Birmingham Six – had their convictions quashed in 1991 after 16 years in prison but no one has since been brought to justice.

Attacks

Gavin, who died in 2002, served life after an IRA murder in 1977 and has been linked to the bombings but not as a bomb-planter. The other man has never before been publicly named.

Last week the Court of Appeal ruled that a new inquest into the attacks will not consider the identity of the bombers.

ITV Exposure confronted the suspect, still alive, who denied all knowledge of the bombing, stating: “I’ve got nothing to say.” But the programme cites court documents that allegedly show he knew attacks were planned.

His solicitor told the programme: “Our client denies all allegations.”

Julie Hambleton, whose sister Maxine was killed at the Tavern In The Town, says she wants those who killed her sister and the other 20 brought to justice.

The Hunt For The Birmingham Bombers, ITV, 10.40pm today.