Cops give assurances about 1994 massacre
18 June 2006
Relatives of the victims of the Loughinisland massacre have been assured by police that they have not given up on catching the UVF killer gang.
Today marks the 12th anniversary of the massacre, in which six innocent Catholics were gunned down at the Heights Bar in the Co Down village.
Relatives had hoped that last week’s arrest of a man and a woman would finally bring a breakthrough in what has become known as the ‘forgotten’ atrocity of the Troubles because no one has ever been charged.
However, the man and woman were released without charge.
One security source claimed that, contrary to speculation, the arrest operation was not linked to any new UVF supergrass, but was connected to a letter purportedly written by someone who was a witness to the planning of the June 1994 massacre.
Ahead of the anniversary, a number of the families were briefed on the current state of the police investigation.
The PSNI probe has been given a new focus after the intervention of the office of Police Ombudsman, Nuala O’Loan.
She stepped in at the request of Down SDLP councillor Eamonn O’Neill who handed her a dossier two years ago, compiled in consultation with the families.
Said Mr O’Neill: “I am heartened that police inquiries are taking place with more vigour.
“This is quite a difficult time for the families. There have been false dawns in the past.”
The families have asked Mrs O’Loan to investigate why a prime suspect was never charged.
The man has long been suspected of helping to plan the last UVF atrocity of the Troubles and acting as getaway driver for the Belfast-based killer gang.
