Only one bullet retained in Ludlow murder inquiry

An inquest into the loyalist murder of a Co Louth man almost 30 years ago has heard that the only evidence retained by Gardaí was one of three bullets found at the scene.

Former chief superintendent Ted Murphy told the inquest today that the bullet was the only evidence found during searches at garda stations in Dundalk, Drogheda and Dromad.

The searches were conducted as part of Mr Murphy's recent investigations into an alleged garda cover-up in relation to the murder of Seamus Ludlow in May 1976.

The 47-year-old forestry worker was shot dead by loyalists, but senior Gardaí persisted in blaming the IRA for the killing.

His family is demanding public inquiries on both sides of the border to demand why the murder was never properly investigated.