Still the witch hunt goes on

THOUSANDS of elderly British Army veterans are facing a new ‘witch-hunt’ over the deaths of suspected IRA terrorists more than 40 years ago, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

In the largest ever trawl for eyewitnesses, ex-troops have been asked to provide legal statements about fatal shootings in Northern Ireland ahead of new inquests.

Last night, furious former top brass said the move could lead to soldiers being questioned as murder suspects – and being forced to attend coroners’ hearings where their personal security might be jeopardised.

Former head of the British Army, General the Lord Dannatt, said: ‘There should be no obligation on soldiers to cooperate because they have previously given evidence on the assurance of no further action being taken when this Lancashire Regiment during the hunt for two IRA suspects.

More than 300,000 British soldiers served in Northern Ireland from 1969 to 2007. During the 1970s and 80s there were around 25,000 UK troops fighting the IRA at any one time. The Troubles cost the lives of 1,441 British military personnel.

More than 3,500 killings in the Province were terroristrelated, yet coroners and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) have focused on deaths at the hands of British security forces.

The MoS has obtained an email from the MoD to regimental associations confirming the request. It says: ‘The circumstances surrounding the deaths of those killed during the Troubles have been reviewed, sometimes several times. This has resulted in a decision by the Northern Ireland Attorney General to hold new inquests.

‘The MoD has an obligation to support these inquests. As part of this, letters are being sent by the Defence Inquest Unit (DIU) to those who might have been witnesses. If you receive a letter it will ask if you recall any details about an incident. It is recognised that this took place a long time ago and that receiving a letter out of the blue may well cause concern. For those concerned by this or in receipt of a letter, support is available.’

The MoD said: ‘The MoD complies with requests from coroners and part of the process involves contacting and supporting veterans.’