Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
FORENSIC HOPE IN CRACKING ‘82 RUC BOMBING
Fresh appeal launched 38 years after atrocity
ADVANCES in forensic science may help the investigation into the murder of three police officers in a 1982 IRA bomb attack.
Sergeant Sean Quinn, 37, and Constables Paul Hamilton, 26, and 34-year-old Allan Mccloy died in the blast at Kinnego Embankment i n Craigavon , Co Armagh, on October 27.
They had been responding to a cal l when th e explosion f lung their unmarked Ford Cortina 70ft into a nearby field.
The blast left a huge crater in the road and witnesses described seeing two people running away from the scene.
Despite various investigations and nine arrests, no one has ever been charged with the murders.
The men’s families have said they had given up hope the crime would ever be solved, but have now been encouraged by recent progress.
It comes after the case became the latest to be taken on by f o r mer B e d f o rd sh i re Ch i e f Constable Jon Boutcher as part of Operation Kenova – a series of legacy investigations.
Speaking on the 38th anniversary of the murders, Mr Boutcher urged anyone with information to come forward.
Images of two helmets, which those responsible were believed to have been wearing as they fled on a motorcycle, have been released to help jog memories.
The vehicle was later abandoned in Francis Street in Lurgan.
Mr Boutcher said: “If people saw those responsible, notwithstanding that it was such a long time ago, I am sure they will still remember it well, because they will have soon realised just what an evil act those men committed that day.
“Help us to help these families. If you have any information ab out thi s aw ful i nci d ent, please do the right thing – come forward and speak to us.”
The three RUC officers were killed instantly in the blast which was caused by a landmine.
Three women were widowed, five children grew up without their fathers and an unborn son never got to meet his dad.
Kellie Morwood, a solicitor acting for the families, said anniversaries are always difficult.
In the statement, the victims’ relatives said they have had 38 years without husbands, fathers, sons and brothers and also without justice or closure.
They added: “Never a day passes but we think of Sean, Allan and Paul.
“In a singl e moment of barbaric carnage, faceless cowards changed our lives forever.
“For a long time, we believed this appalling terrorist crime would remain unsolved.
“We would echo the appeal made by Mr Boutcher and ask those who know anything about th e attack to come forward to help deliver some closure for us.”
Any o n e w i t h a ny information can call 01234 858298 or email kenova@met.police.uk