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Man (61) to be charged with 1982 murders of three RUC officers in Lurgan

Royal Ulster Constabulary Sergeant Sean Quinn (left) and constables Allan McCloy (centre) and Paul Hamilton

A man is to be charged over the murders of three RUC officers near Lurgan more than 40 years ago.

Sergeant Sean Quinn and constables Allan McCloy and Paul Hamilton were killed in an IRA bomb attack at Kinnego Embankment on October 27, 1982.

The officers were in an unmarked police car at the time. The car was destroyed – and the men killed – as a result of a 1,000lb remotely-detonated landmine device.

The 61-year-old suspect, originally from Northern Ireland, is set to be extradited from the Republic of Ireland to face trial.

The investigation into the deaths was requested by PSNI and a decision to prosecute the suspect was made before the UK’s Legacy Act came into force on May 1.

Upon launch of the investigation, former Kenova Lead Jon Boutcher, who is now Chief Constable, said: “I have met with the families of the three officers and have assured them of my commitment to this investigation.

“All they have ever wanted is to find out the truth of what happened to their loved ones, and I will do everything in my power to establish that for them.

“They have shown great dignity over the years and have asked for the press to respect their privacy – I would echo that to allow my team to focus on the investigation.”

A Public Prosecution Service spokesperson said: “Following careful consideration of all the available evidence in a file submitted by Operation Kenova, the PPS took a decision to prosecute one individual in relation to the 1982 murders of Sergeant Sean Quinn and Constables Allan McCloy and Paul Hamilton.

“As proceedings are live it would not be appropriate to comment further.”

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