Concern over funds for North murder investigations inquiry

There is concern in the North after it was revealed that the British government shows no sign of paying the extra money needed to inquire into how police handled an informer linked to 19 murders.

The North's chief constable, Hugh Orde, says he has been denied the extra funding needed for the inquiry; prompting politicians to demand London pay up.

In January last year, the police ombudsman recommended an investigation into claims that UVF informer, Mark Haddock, was protected from prosecution.

This June, the funding needed to pay for the complex inquiry was announced and the work began.

As a result, detectives charged two north Belfast brothers with murder and other charges were expected.

But Hugh Orde now says he has been told the £2m (€2.44m) needed won't be delivered after all.

The SDLP is demanding an explanation and says it's a disgrace and Sinn Féin says London can't renege on its commitment.

The Northern Ireland Office says talks are on-going.