Former British soldiers are to be interviewed “within days” by police investigating the Bloody Sunday killings.
The officer leading the investigation, PSNI Chief Detective Inspector Ian Harrison, said the questioning would run in “tandem” with interviews with civilian witnesses.
He revealed a number of former British soldiers have made contact with the investigating team and detectives were liaising with British Government departments or them to be interviewed.
CDI Harrison said police were determined to conduct a “thorough, professional and effective investigation.”
Ten former senior detectives from Great Britain have been added to the investigating team which is expected to talk to over 1,000 witnesses who gave evidence at the Bloody Sunday Inquiry.
CDI Harrison asked civilians and former soldiers, including those who did not give evidence at the Saville Inquiry, to contact the investigation team on 028 9025 9593 or by email to [email protected].”A series of notices are to be placed in local newspapers and other publications to encourage witnesses to come forward again.
PSNI Chief Detective Inspector Ian Harrison.
The families of the 14 people shot dead by British paratroopers on 30 January 1972 have given a cautious welcome to the news but have asked witnesses to cooperate with the investigation.
John Kelly, whose brother Michael was one of those killed, said by talking to investigators witnesses would be play a part in ‘bringing the killers to justice.”
Mr Kelly said: “There should be no hiding place for those who came on to our streets and shot our loved ones dead.
“The time has come for them to answer for their actions in a court of law and we will do everything in our power to ensure that they do.
“We want to see the Paras in the dock facing prosecution for the murders on Bloody Sunday and for the crimes they committed afterwards when they lied under oath for their actions.
“There is no doubt that we face another long road ahead during this investigation but if we succeed it will be worth it.”
Mr Kelly concluded: “We will ask once again ask for the help of the people of Derry in this. Some of you will be asked to give statements to help us and we ask that you do so – you can play your part in bringing these killers to justice. We know we will get your support as we have always done.”
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