05/03/2009

Arrest 30 Years After RUC Murder

Police have arrested a man in connected with the murder of a Catholic RUC officer more than 30 years ago.

The 72-year-old is being quizzed about his alleged part in the killing of Sergeant Joe Campbell in February 1977.

Father-of-eight Mr Campbell was outside a County Antrim police station in Cushendall when he was attacked.

It is believed he had earlier expressed concerns regarding his personal safety.

Today's arrest was made following the announcement by Police Ombudsman officials, last week, that new leads in the case were being followed-up.

In 2004 Mr Campbell's relatives complained to then Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan about the initial investigation into his murder.

Family members claimed there may have been state collusion in the RUC man's death.

Launching an inquiry at the time, Ms O'Loan said: "The speculation has been damaging to both the family and policing in Northern Ireland and it is in the interests of both that we do all we can to discover the truth about whether or not police misconduct played a part in this murder."

A detective sergeant in RUC Special Branch was charged with his murder in 1982, but later acquitted after a trial.

(PR/JM)

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