Officer who shot unarmed man is spared suspension

The police officer who shot dead an unarmed IRA man in Belfast last week has been taken off operational duties, it emerged last night. However, as an investigation into the killing continues, the officer who shot Pearse Jordan has not been suspended from duty despite calls from some nationalist politicians. An RUC spokesman said: 'Given the circumstances as currently known to the RUC at this stage, suspension is not considered an appropriate course of action.'

It is believed police were alerted to stop a car which Mr Jordan was driving. It was rammed and halted on the Falls Road last Wednesday. Mr Jordan got out of the vehicle, was shot and died at the scene.