Families of collusion victims to sue police

The families of four people who were murdered after alleged collusion between the security forces and loyalist paramilitaries, are to sue the police.

The families of Sharon McKenna (27), Peter McTasney (26), Gerard Brady (22) and John Harbinson (39) are taking action and earlier today Solicitors representing the families issued legal papers to the Chief Constable Hugh Orde, which allege negligence during investigations into a series of murders between RUC Special Branch officers and north Belfast loyalist paramilitaries between 1991 and 2003.

The families are claiming negligence, breach of statutory duty, conspiracy to injure, assault, trespass against the person and misuse of power in public office.

The action follows the Ombudsman's report last month which revealed that Special Branch Agents had protected loyalists form the Mount Vernon area of north Belfast against prosecution relating to the murders of 16-people.

Deputy director at Relatives for Justice, Andrea Murphy, who is supporting the families, said that they had no idea that the deaths of their loved ones could have been prevented and that there had been such a high level of collusion in the murders.

She added that the families want those responsible brought to justice and a guarantee that this will never happen again.

(EF)