RUC under scrutiny for 1977 murder of officer

Northern Ireland's Police Ombudsman, Nuala O'Loan, is investigating "possible police misconduct" by members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary before and after the murder of a Catholic officer 25 years ago.

A spokesman for Mrs O'Loan confirmed her team of investigators was looking at circumstances surrounding the murder of Sergeant Joseph Campbell in the seaside resort of Cushendall.

In one of the most controversial murders of the Troubles, 49-year-old Sgt Campbell was shot as he locked up the small RUC station in the Co Antrim village on 25 February 1977.

His family and human rights campaigners believe he was a victim of collusion between members of the security forces and the loyalist paramilitary group the Ulster Volunteer Force.

The family has passed fresh information to Mrs O'Loan's office. A spokesman for her said: "As a result of that, we are now investigating certain aspects of events before and after the murder which relate to possible police misconduct. We are not, as yet, investigating Sgt Campbell's murder but only the circumstances surrounding it."

Information compiled by the organisation British Irish Rights Watch and by the Sunday People newspaper has also been handed over.

The spokesman acknowledged yesterday that it was "not going to be an easy investigation", adding: "Some of the people we would wish to speak to are now dead."