Special inquiry group to be wound up

A PSNI-organised group whose sole purpose is to independently re-examine 3,269 murders perpetrated during the Troubles is set to be wound up within three years.

The Historical Enquiries Team (HET), which is overseen by PSNI chief constable Matt Baggott and staffed by seconded officers from British forces, was set up in 2005 with a budget of €33 million.

While the HET has received praise for the work it has already completed, more than 1,360 murders perpetrated during the Troubles officially remain unsolved.

These include a number of people, like Jean McConville, known as the disappeared who were killed by paramilitaries and left in unmarked graves in secret locations.

While the HET was initially investigating these murders, it has since been taken out of the group’s remit and handed over to the PSNI, despite protests from dozens of victims’ families.

The SDLP’s west Belfast Assembly member, Alex Attwood, has criticised plans to close the HET and raised concerns over whether the cold case team will be able to safely investigate the 1,360 outstanding murders in just three years.

However, the PSNI’s chief constable Matt Baggott has defended plans to close down the unit.