72-year-old man arrested in connection with murder of policemanin North in 1977

A 72-year-old man was arrested today by officers investigating the murder of a policeman in the North more than 30 years ago.

The suspect is being questioned about the killing of 49-year-old RUC Detective Sergeant Joe Campbell outside a police station in Cushendall, Co Antrim, in February 1977.

The arrest comes a week after officers from the Police Ombudsman’s Office revealed they had unearthed a fresh lead in the case.

Ombudsman Al Hutchinson is re-examining the incident after complaints alleging police involvement in the shooting of the Roman Catholic married father of eight.

An RUC detective sergeant was arrested in the early 1980s and charged with the murder but was later acquitted at Belfast Crown Court.

Mr Hutchinson’s team is also looking at claims that the RUC failed to investigate the crime properly.