Police make arrests in Finucane murder case

TWO people have been arrested in connection with the murder of Belfast human rights lawyer Pat Finucane, Scotland Yard confirmed yesterday.

The two were detained at an address in Sussex by members of the Stevens team supported by Sussex police and members of the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

They are a man aged 40 and a woman aged 45.

The man, believed to be top loyalist Ken Barrett who has been in hiding, was taken to a police station in Northern Ireland for further questioning.

The woman was being questioned at a police station in Sussex.

A spokesman confirmed the arrests were in connection with the murder of Mr Finucane in February 1989, and other matters.

The inquiry team, led by Metropolitan Police Commissioner John Stevens, has been investigating alleged collusion between the security services and loyalist paramilitaries.

Last month it published a report confirming that “rogue elements” within the police and military helped loyalists to murder Catholics.

The inquiry which focused on the murders of Mr Finucane and Protestant student Adam Lambert in 1987.

It concluded that both murders could have been prevented.

Mr Stevens said in his report: “I also believe the RUC investigation into Pat Finucane’s murder should have resulted in the early arrest and detection of his killers.” The killing of Mr Finucane, a Belfast solicitor, has remained one of the most controversial of the 30-year history of the Troubles.

He was gunned down as he sat eating Sunday lunch with his family at his north Belfast home.

His family have campaigned for an independent public inquiry into allegations he was set up by elements of military intelligence.