Chief Constable Orde steps away from collusion probe

The publishing of the Stevens’ report, an investigation by the metropolitan police into collusion between members of the RUC and Loyalist paramilitaries, has been delayed until the autumn.

Sir John Stevens, who is heading the inquiry, said that the delay was because he and his team wanted to make sure their investigation was thorough. Many believe this is due to the BBC's Panorama special on the death of solicitor Pat Finucane and others.

It was widely believed that the report was going to be given to the PSNI board in the next few weeks.

Hugh Orde, who was in charge of the day to day running of the inquiry, has also stepped down from his post following his appointment as the new Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Earlier this week, Mr Finucane’s family reiterated their call for an independent judicial inquiry into his death.

Scotland Yard said the team of officers remained active, and would be supplemented by further officers if this should prove necessary.

A recent newspaper report in ‘The Guardian’ suggested the contents of the report will be explosive, and that it will find that there was collusion between sections of the security forces and loyalist murder gangs.

(AMcE)