Hain rules out public enquiry into collusion

The British government today ruled out calls for a public inquiry in the North into allegations that Special Branch officers colluded in covering up murders by loyalist informers.

Following the release of a damning report by Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan which claimed Special Branch failed to act against informers in an Ulster Volunteer Force gang who may have carried out as many as 15 murders, Northern Secretary Peter Hain said he hoped it would help bring those responsible to the courts.