Mass Murder Probe 'Failings' Underlined

The North's police 'failed' the families of six people murdered by loyalists in 1994 by not investigating the killings properly, the NI Police Ombudsman has said.

Al Hutchinson said that, while there was no evidence of collusion between police and the UVF gang - with insufficient evidence of collusion surrounding the getaway car used in the Loughinisland murders - he said the police detective's investigation lacked diligence, focus and leadership.

He also said there was no evidence that police could have prevented the bloody attack at the Heights Bar.

The police have since apologised for a lack of communication and inconsistency over the killings.

On 18 June 1994, the rural pub was busy with people watching the Republic of Ireland play Italy in a World Cup match.

Just after 10pm, two UVF members walked in and fired indiscriminately.

The six men who died were Adrian Rogan 34, Malcolm Jenkinson, 53, Barney Greene, 87, Daniel McCreanor 59, Patrick O'Hare, 35, and Eamon Byrne, 39.

Commenting on the publication of the Police Ombudsman report into the UVF murder of six innocent people in Loughinisland, Sinn Fein MLA for South Down Caitriona Ruane said that Al Hutchinson had failed to match the findings of his report with the obvious conclusion that the murders were carried out through collusion.

"It is clear that the intention was that the circumstances surrounding these murders would never be properly investigated and revealed. It is only through their determination that the campaign for the truth has reached this point.

"Sinn Fein will continue to support the families in their campaign for the truth. Today's report does not mark the end rather the start of a new phase," she said.

(BMcC)