Police chiefs have told the relatives of IRA bomb victims who had been calling for a new investigation that they cannot probe further – because of recent law changes
The Metropolitan Police has told relatives of IRA bombing victims that they cannot launch a fresh investigation because of changes in the law. Three people who lost loved ones in London terror attacks wrote to the Met urging them to start a new inquiry into Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams and his alleged links with the IRA. The trio were devastated when a civil case against Adams was withdrawn last month after a legal decision.
Ihsan Bashir, brother of Inam Bashir killed in the Docklands bomb which also hit the Daily Mirror HQ, Susan Dodd, daughter of Inspector Stephen Dodd, killed at Harrods and Sarah Butt, sister-in-law of Paul Butt, killed in the Baltic Exchange bombing then wrote to Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley.
They insist that their loved ones’ memories must never be forgotten and there should be a full inquiry into Adams’ alleged links with the IRA. But now they have received a letter from Kris Wright the Acting Commander Counter Terrorism Policing – London dashing their hopes.
Mr Wright said: “The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 was passed by Parliament to address the legacy of the Northern Ireland Troubles and promote reconciliation.
“It established an Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR), limiting criminal investigations, legal proceedings, inquests and police complaints.
“Consequently, the Act ended ongoing Troubles related investigations and prevents new criminal investigations into Troubles-related offences by the Police.
“Sole responsibility for investigating deaths and other harmful conduct forming part of the Troubles, seeking prosecutions as appropriate and for publishing its findings, now falls to the ICRIR.
“As consequence of your letter we have notified the ICRIR that we have received communications in this regard and if you are content we will also pass your details to them and they will contact you directly.
He added: “I would like to acknowledge the loss of your loved ones and the determination with which you are pursuing justice for those who were killed during the IRA’s London bombing campaign. “I recognise the importance you place on establishing the facts through open court proceedings and on ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.”
In the letter to commissioner Rowley last month they had said the new information disclosed in the civil case should now be examined by “counter terrorism specialists”.
The letter was written under: “Subject: Request for review of evidence aired in the civil proceedings against Gerry Adams in the High Court in London.”
They “ask that this letter be treated as a formal request for review and referred without delay to the appropriate senior investigating officers and counter-terrorism specialists.”
It went on: “Sarah Butt and Susan Dodd attended the trial at the Royal Courts of Justice. “Evidence was heard in open court which, in our view, raised serious further questions about Gerry Adams claimed role and about his long-standing position that he was involved only in Sinn Féin and not the IRA.”
Mr Adams has consistently denied being a member of the IRA.
