UTV to challenge controversial injunction

Ulster Television is expected to challenge in the Belfast High Court a gagging order granted to the British Government about a controversial investigation.

The programme Insight was pulled from air last night, before allegations about a British soldier's infiltration of the IRA could be aired.

The programme alleges that a British soldier was allowed to help the IRA plant bombs, resulting in the deaths of other soldiers and RUC officers.

It contained details on how he infiltrated the IRA and learned of planned explosions.

The British Ministry of Defence sought and obtained an injunction in Belfast High Court to prevent the programme being broadcast.

UTV is contesting the injunction and says it intends to show the programme at the earliest opportunity.

The programme includes an interview with a soldier who claims to have infiltrated the IRA and helped to make bombs, which killed other soldiers and police officers.

The soldier claims he took part in bombings with the full knowledge of his British military handlers who decided not to intervene to save lives.

The DUP has already called for an independent inquiry and Ulster Unionist MP Geoffrey Donaldson said serious questions must be answered if innocent lives were lost.