NI: Storm damage closes murder HQ

The headquarters of a team of detectives looking into unsolved murders from Northern Ireland’s troubles have been temporarily closed following storm damage.

The Historical Enquiries Team, which was launched in January, had begun its work at a police station in Sprucefield, near Lisburn, Co Antrim.

However, heavy overnight rain caused structural damage to the roof of its offices.

It is understood there was flood damage to electrics, computer and information technology equipment in the building.

However, files, records and documents were not affected.

“At this stage it is not known how long the offices will be closed for as an assessment of the damage is still being carried out,” a police spokesperson said.

The Historical Enquiries Team has been given a budget of more than £30m (€43.6m) to re-examine 3,268 killings between 1969 and 1998.

In January the team headed up by retired Metropolitan Police Commander Dave Cox began work on its first 100 cases from April 1969.

The team hopes to complete its work within seven years.

It was established to help relatives of people killed in Northern Ireland find the answers to any remaining questions about their loved ones’ murders.

It also looks at whether any remaining investigative opportunities can be exploited to the full.

The team, which reports directly to Northern Ireland Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde, has a squad of around 100 detectives and support staff and access to all files and forensic science techniques.

It is split into two investigative units, with one of the teams made up exclusively from police officers from outside Northern Ireland to work on cases where there have been allegations of security force collusion.