THE eagerly awaited inquiry report into the Loughinisland Massacre in The Heights Bar which took place on 18th June 1994 is to be released this Friday.
Police Ombudsman Al Hutchison has conducted the inquiry following strong criticisms of the RUC by the bereaved families of the original investigation into the UVF murders.
The validity of the original enquiry was strongly questioned after claims of alledged collusion were made whereby a member of the RUC, code named the ‘Mechanic’, is said to have facilitated the gunmen’s escape through a car provided to them.
[caption id="attachment_4836" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="The Heights Bar in Loughinisland where six customers were shot dead by a loyalist gang in 1994."]
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The UVF admitted they carried out the attack in 1994 in response to an INLA operation on the Shankill Road which resulted in the death of a UVF member.
The attack on The Heights Bar in Loughinisland was claimed to be a legitimate target by the UVF on the basis that a republican meeting was taking place at the time. This assumption has been discredited by police. The victims of the shooting were at the bar to watch Ireland play Italy in the World Cup.
Of the six victims, Barney Green, who was 87, was one of the oldest victims of the Troubles. The other victims of the UVF attack were Adrian Rogan (34); Eamon Byrne (39); Daniel McCreanor (59); Malcolm Jenkinson (53); and Patrick O’Hare (35).
Down News will make the report available online from midnight on Thursday evening. It is expected that this will be a major media event with considerable community and political reaction.]]>
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