Security agent seeks private hearing

The inquiry will hear submissions next Monday

The Security Service, MI5, has asked the Bloody Sunday Inquiry to put special arrangements in place to protect the identity of one of its agents.

The man, known as Infliction, has alleged that the Education Minister, Martin McGuinness, fired the first shot on Bloody Sunday.

The Saville Inquiry is examining the events of 30 January 1972 when 13 civilians were shot dead by British army soldiers during a civil rights march in the city. A 14th person died later.

The Security Service has expressed doubts Infliction could give evidence in saftey.

Martin McGuinness: Denies claims he fired the first shot

The families of the victims say they will fight against any special arrangements being imposed.

Security Service documents say that Infliction was a leading member of the Provisional IRA, who claimed the Martin McGuinness told him that he fired the first shot from a Thompson submachine gun.

The security services have expressed doubts as to whether he can be safely called to give evidence himself.

However, when two of his handlers and David Shayler give evidence they want the families, the public, the media and lawyers for the families, the soldiers and Martin McGuinness kept out of the chamber.

They also want time to check the transcript of the evidence before it is made public.

Support

They say this has to be done to make sure there is no reference made, accidental or deliberate, that could help to identify him.

The inquiry will hear submissions on the application next Monday but the families have already said they will fight it "tooth and nail".

Martin McGuinness said the military intelligence were trying to frustrate the search for the truth and he has said he will support the families in whatever they decide to do.

Lord Saville of Newdigate and the commonwealth judges accompanying him on the Bloody Sunday inquiry began their work nearly four years ago.

They are not expected to report back until 2004.