Inspectors to review North's cold cases unit

Independent inspectors are to examine the work of the North's Historical Enquiries Team (HET) after its work was criticised in an academic report.

PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott has asked Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) to conduct the review of the cold case unit that investigates unsolved Troubles murders.

The move comes after University of Ulster academic Dr Patricia Lundy claimed HET investigators acted differently when interviewing former soldiers and ex-paramilitaries.

She said military witnesses were treated more favourably.

Mr Baggott informed members of the Policing Board that HMIC will assess investigative practices within the HET.

Mr Baggott said he acknowledged that families of some of the murder victims were concerned about the issues raised in the study.

“I absolutely recognise there are public concerns and concerns around families in regard to this report,” he said.

“I do acknowledge the public concerns and the need to reassure families and take an independent look at this.”