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Suspected loyalist gun find referred to Police Ombudsman

Dr Michael Maguire with his report confirming collusion between Loyalist Paramilitaries and the RUC. Picture Matt Bohill.
Dr Michael Maguire with his report confirming collusion between Loyalist Paramilitaries and the RUC. Picture Matt Bohill. Dr Michael Maguire with his report confirming collusion between Loyalist Paramilitaries and the RUC. Picture Matt Bohill.

THE sons of a man killed by the UVF more than 40 years ago have voiced concerns over the time taken by the PSNI to carry out forensic tests on a gun recently found near the murder scene.

Brothers Brian and Aidan Falls spoke out as it emerged that campaign group Relatives for Justice (RFJ) contacted the Police Ombudsman after the PSNI admitted that a gun and ammunition were found at Tamnamore, near Dungannon, in June.

The admission came weeks after the force said officers had “no knowledge” of the find, in an area where several attacks were carried out by the UVF’s notorious Glenanne Gang during the Troubles.

Their victims included Patrick Falls (45) who was killed by members of the gang at a pub at Aughamullan, near Coalisland, in November 1974.

A getaway car used in the murder is believed to have been found at Tamnamore.

Speaking last night his sons said they have “concerns” about delays in carrying out tests on the weapon.

“We are aware that at the height of the Troubles forensic and ballistic reports would have been provided within 24-48 hours," they said.

“We want to know what the delay is.

“This is unacceptable.”

The handgun, believed to be a revolver, and three types of ammunition and two manuals were discovered under floorboards during demolition work at a house.

Sources have claimed the area was not sealed off by police and no statements were taken from the man who found the gun.

It is understood the owner of the house had no knowledge of the weapon.

Mark Thompson from RFJ at presss conference after the announcement that Freddie Scappaticci is to be questioned about the murders of 24 people. Picture Mal McCann
Mark Thompson from RFJ at presss conference after the announcement that Freddie Scappaticci is to be questioned about the murders of 24 people. Picture Mal McCann Mark Thompson from RFJ at presss conference after the announcement that Freddie Scappaticci is to be questioned about the murders of 24 people. Picture Mal McCann

RFJ director Mark Thompson has written to Dr Michael Maguire’s office posing a series of questions including why police initially claimed they had no knowledge of the find.

A spokesman for the Police Ombudsman said: "We have received a complaint and are making initial enquiries.”