Bloody Sunday Families To Be Compensated

Compensation may soon be paid to families of those killed and wounded by British soldiers during what became known as Bloody Sunday in Northern Ireland - although some don't want the cash "under any circumstances".

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said that any of the relatives of those killed will be entitled to compensation after the controversial shootings by paratroopers in Londonderry.

The victims died after soldiers opened fire in January 1972 during a civil rights protest in the city.

Earlier, the Prime Minister David Cameron has apologised to victims and said the shootings were wrong and now an spokesman has said: "We acknowledge the pain felt by these families for nearly 40 years, and that members of the armed forces acted wrongly. For that, the Government is deeply sorry.

"We are in contact with the families' solicitors and where there is a legal liability to pay compensation we will do so."

In all, 14 people died after paratroopers opened fire in January 1972 during a civil rights march in Londonderry.

Last year, Lord Saville published a landmark report that criticised the Army over the shootings and his panel ruled the Army fired first and without provocation.

Mr Cameron said the killings were "unjustified and unjustifiable".

The inquiry found many of the soldiers gave false accounts of what happened in order to justify their actions.

It also ruled all 14 who died and others who were injured had been unarmed and were completely innocent.

However, not all those involved will be accepting the award as the BBC has today reported that the family of William Nash, 19, have described the Government's offer of compensation as "repulsive" and said they would not accept a payment "under any circumstances".

(BMcC/GK)