Father of UVF victim to hold talks with Hain today

The father of a man murdered by the UVF nearly nine years ago is due to meet Northern Secretary Peter Hain today to discuss his ongoing campaign for a public inquiry.

Twenty-two-year-old Raymond McCord was beaten to death in November 1997 and his body was dumped in a quarry on the outskirts of north Belfast.

At least two police informers are believed to have been involved in the murder, including the man who ordered the killing.

Mr McCord's father, also called Raymond, believes the PSNI did not properly investigating the case in order to protect these informers and ensure that they continued to supply information about the UVF.

An unpublished Police Ombudsman's report into the case is believed to back these claims and is expected to strongly criticise police management of the case.

Mr McCord, meanwhile, is accusing the British government of putting the interests of paramilitaries before those of their victims by effectively turning a blind eye to the situation.