The Five Demands

Probe into claims of UVF collusion (UTV)

An investigation into alleged collusion between police and senior members of the Ulster Volunteer Force has been launched by the Police Ombudsman.
Michael Maguire has established a team to examine why there have not been charges or convictions over high-profile murders in the Shankill Road, Belfast.

A statement said: “The Police Ombudsman’s Office has confirmed its investigators are to examine allegations brought by a number of families that police failed to properly investigate a series of fatal shootings in north and west Belfast between 1989 and 2010.”

The most recent killing under investigation is that of 43-year-old Bobby Moffett, who was shot dead in broad daylight on 28 May 2010.

In its report, the Independent Monitoring Commission at the time said the murder of former loyalist prisoner Mr Moffett had been sanctioned by UVF leaders from the Shankill area.

It is understood the Ombudsman will look into claims that no-one has been charged or convicted over the cases in question because informers were being protected.