Detectives investigating allegations of murder and torture by alleged army agent ‘Stakeknife’ are appealing to people who may have any information about the offences to come forward.
Operation Kenova, which was launched in June last year to investigate a range of alleged activities dating back to the 1970s, is now fully staffed and officers are making good progress with the investigation.
Chief Constable Jon Boutcher, who is leading the investigation, is urging people who may have been involved in any degree to come forward.
He said: “This is a complex investigation, however we are making progress gathering evidence; some of the statements made by families have been incredibly moving and I would like to thank all of those we have spoken to so far for speaking out.
"There would have been those who played a role on the periphery of the offending - they might have housed people involved or held weapons which may have been used. We want to speak to each and every person who played a part in any of these crimes to ultimately get to the truth for the families. I encourage people to come forward, you will be treated sympathetically.
“I am hoping that the passage of time since these offences occurred and the realisation that these cowardly crimes were not justified in any way will mean that misplaced loyalties will have changed and people will now feel strong enough to come forward. We have dedicated officers ready to take your call.”
The fresh appeal comes ahead of a Panorama programme focusing on Stakeknife which is set to broadcast on BBC One next week (Tuesday, 11 April). Chief Constable Boutcher will speak on the programme about Operation Kenova.
