RELATIVES of people killed by loyalists during the Troubles have called on the Police Ombudsman to publish completed reports into the murders.
The ombudsman's office has told families that three reports will not be released pending the outcome of the Loughinisland legal challenge.
The investigations have examined dozens of killings where collusion is suspected.
The reports deal with several attacks in south Belfast, including the shooting of five men at Sean Graham’s bookmakers on the Ormeau Road in 1992, and the murder of Catholic teenager Damien Walsh on the outskirts of west Belfast a year later.
A series of murders carried out by loyalists in counties Derry and Antrim have also been the focus of an investigation.
They have been put on hold due to a legal challenge to a report on the Loughinisland murders, in which six Catholic men were shot dead in a bar while watching a World Cup match in June 1994.
Retired police officers mounted a judicial review of Dr Michael Maguire's conclusion that some officers colluded with the loyalist gunmen.
The ombudsman's collusion finding was found to be "unsustainable" but the case is now being reheard before a new judge.
Damien Walsh’s mother Marian last night called for her son’s report to be released.
The 17-year-old was shot dead by the UFF as he worked at the Dairy Farm shopping centre near Twinbrook in March 1993.
“I appreciate that Dr Maguire has concluded the investigation, which in one sense we are glad, but this latest development leaves us once again in a state of limbo,” she said.
“It simply adds to our anguish. The report is finished and just sitting there - we simply want access to it.”
In a statement issued through Relatives for Justice, loved ones of those killed in the Sean Graham’s attack also voiced their frustration.
Tommy Duffin, whose father Jack was killed, said “this latest postponement is particularly disappointing”.
“The fact that the report is completed and we cannot access it is causing anxiety and distress to the bereaved and survivors,” he said.
“We call for the report to be released immediately."
Relatives for Justice caseworker Paul Butler has supported families engaged with the ombudsman, including the family of Mr Walsh.
"This is yet another blow to families,” he said.
"Roadblock after roadblock has been placed in the way of the ombudsman from funding cuts, to the ombudsman having to resort to judicial action against the Police Service of Northern Ireland to obtain intelligence on these and other killings."
In a letter sent to Mrs Walsh and Relatives for Justice, an ombudsman official said: "Any investigation which had been finalised and was awaiting the publication of a public statement will... unfortunately have to await the outcome of the current litigation."
She added: "It is important for the office to have clarity around its powers, particularly where they result in a public statement."
