Bloody Sunday Appeal Renewed

The PSNI has renewed an appeal for witnesses of Bloody Sunday to come forward, as the force prepares to take statements from over 1,000 people who were there on the day.

Detectives from Serious Crime Branch have also appealed for those who gave evidence to the Saville Inquiry to make contact with them.

More than 1,000 witnesses, consisting of local people and former soldiers, are being asked to make statements as part of the criminal investigation.

Police say a public appeal and advertising last month has had a limited response.

The appeal follows the launch of a new criminal investigation into the events of Bloody Sunday, when British paratroopers killed 13 civil rights marchers in L'Derry on 30 January 1972.

In 2010, the results of the Saville Inquiry into the shootings revealed that all victims had been killed by British soldiers without justification, and that subsequent attempts had been by the made by the government to repress evidence to that effect.

Now detectives are seeking to make contact with and re-interview any former soldiers and civilians who gave evidence to the Inquiry, as police are precluded from using Saville testimony in a criminal investigation.

The officer leading the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Ian Harrison, said: "The response to our original appeal for witnesses to talk to us has been disappointing. If we are to make progress, we need witness statements.

"We are renewing our appeal and placing additional advertising to increase awareness of what we’re working to achieve. The adverts asking people to come forward will be in local newspapers and on billboards in Derry.

"We need people to work with us. If people don’t come forward, it will further delay this lengthy and complicated process."

Civilians and former soldiers are asked to contact the investigation team on 028 9025 9593 or by email to BloodySundayEnquiry@psni.pnn.police.uk

(IT/MH)