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Victims and relatives of UVF gang killing to attend PSNI legal challenge

Peter McCormack was shot dead at the Thierafurth Inn, Kilcoo, Co Down, by the UVF in November 1992
Peter McCormack was shot dead at the Thierafurth Inn, Kilcoo, Co Down, by the UVF in November 1992 Peter McCormack was shot dead at the Thierafurth Inn, Kilcoo, Co Down, by the UVF in November 1992

SURVIVORS and relatives of people killed by a UVF gang will attend the High Court tomorrow for a legal challenge against the PSNI over its failure to investigate the activities of the gang in the wake of a Police Ombudsman's report.

The challenge was brought last month by Co Down man John McEvoy who was injured during a UVF gun attack at the Thierafurth Inn, in Kilcoo, Co Down, in November 1992.

One man, Peter McCormack, was killed in the attack.

Some of those thought to be involved have also been linked to the 1994 Loughinisland massacre in which six Catholic men were shot dead as they watched a World Cup match in a bar.

Details of the gang’s activities were revealed in a report published by the Police Ombudsman last year in which Dr Michael Maguire said there was collusion.

A recent documentary made by filmmaker Alex Gibney names three suspects believed to have carried out the attack.

Other attacks mentioned in the ombudsman’s report include the murder of Co Down businessman Jack Kielty in Dundrum, Co Down, in January 1988.

Mr Kielty is the father of comedian Patrick Kielty.

Legal representative for some of the families, Gavin Booth, said the challenge had been brought over "the failure of the PSNI to investigate his attempted murder".

“In light of the publication of the report, the survivors and their families expected an announcement that the PSNI would start an investigation into these attacks.

“This did not happen and after numerous letters to the Chief Constable we initiated a judicial review to challenge this failing.

“We believe that an independent effective investigation must happen. Justice needs to be done and seen to be done."

A spokesman for the PSNI said: “As this matter is subject to judicial proceedings it would be inappropriate to make further comment.”