Alleged murder collusion should be investigated

Allegations of security force collusion in at least 24 murders in the North should be investigated by police, the North’s Public Prosecution Service (PPS) said. The allegations were made by Stakeknife, an army intelligence agent in the IRA.

Some believe double agents within the republican organisation were permitted by the security forces to commit crimes, including murder, to gain the trust of gunmen.

The North’s director of public prosecutions, Barra McGrory, QC, said: “I can confirm that I have requested that the chief constable (of the Police Service of Northern Ireland) investigate a range of potential offences, which relate to the alleged activities of an agent commonly known as Stakeknife.’’