News

Police Ombudsman investigating collusion claims

A daughter of a murdered Sinn Fin councillor has claimed a Police Ombudsman investigation has uncovered serious concerns about possible collusion.

Eddie Fullerton (56) was shot dead on the landing of his home at Buncrana, Co Donegal early on the morning of May 25 1991.

A veteran member of Donegal County Council, he was shot six times after the suspected UDA gang used a sledge hammer to break in.

In the weeks following his murder, it was claimed that an RUC file with Mr Fullertons photograph and other details were found in the possession of the UDA in nearby Derry.

No-one has ever been prosecuted for the killing.

An interim report by Police Ombudsman Michael Maguire completed last year showed links with other killings, according to Mr Fullertons daughter, Amanda Fullerton.

She said: I would say that there is serious concern in Michael Maguires team that my fathers killers did not act alone.

The Co Donegal woman said that details of the interim report were not made public because the Ombudsman wished to widen the investigation based on information received.

Ms Fullerton said Mr Maguire told her family he was not yet in a position to reveal the nature of the information he was examining.

A spokesman for the Ombudsman confirmed that Mr Maguire was investigating the circumstances surrounding the murder of Mr Fullerton.

He said: This investigation is part of a series of murders being examined by the office involving allegations of collusion with security forces.