Cobain hits out at Kelly searches

Around 30 former UDR and RIR serving members have expressed safety concerns following house to house searches by police investigating the murder of nationalist councillor Patrick Kelly in 1974.

UUP Police Board Member Fred Cobain said his party had been approached by members who expressed concern over their personal security following allegedly heavy handed searches by investigators.

Mr Cobain added: "These people are concerned about their security after such searches, which I understand are being carried out 'swoop' style.

"In a small village like Trillick this is unacceptable, uncalled for and completely over the top. It goes without saying that this also has serious implications for those involved. Many would like their involvement with the security forces to be kept private as there is still a very real threat from dissident Republicans."

Mr Kelly went missing after locking up a bar in Trillick, Co Tyrone on 24 July, 1974. His body was found 10 weeks later riddled with bullets having been murdered by the Ulster Freedom Fighters (UFF).

The re-opening into Mr Kelly's murder was criticised by Mr Cobain. He said: "I warned that this investigation would only re-open old wounds. The PSNI action to date is rubbing salt into them.

"One has also to question the legality of the search warrants, is the Justice of the Peace signing warrants on the basis that any member of the security forces is a prime suspect? If so it reeks of a witchunt and must be stopped immediately."

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