Bloody Sunday witness collapses

The inquiry is examining the events of 30 January 1972

The Bloody Sunday inquiry was adjourned on Tuesday after a former Official IRA man collapsed in the witness box.

The man, who said he fired two shots at soldiers, has been taken to hospital.

The Saville Inquiry is examining the events of 30 January 1972 when 13 civilians were shot dead by soldiers during a civil rights march in Londonderry. Another man died later from his injuries.

Known to the inquiry only as Official IRA Man Four, the witness had been describing how he fired at the soldiers from the end of Chamberlain Street.

He said he only fired after it was clear that the Army was shooting into the car park of the Rossville flats and that at least one person had been hit.

The man, who was seen by Bishop Edward Daly firing the shots, said he put the gun into his pocket and left the area when he realised that he was not going to achieve anything.

The Saville Inquiry opened in Derry three and a half years ago, but moved to Westminster's Methodist Hall to hear evidence from more than 200 former soldiers and some politicians.

The inquiry returned to Derry in October. This session marks the beginning of the end of the evidence - the tribunal is hoping to hear all the witnesses by Christmas.

Lord Saville of Newdigate and the Commonwealth judges accompanying him on the inquiry are not expected to report back until next year.

The inquiry was established in 1998 by Prime Minister Tony Blair after a campaign by families of those killed and injured.

They felt that the Widgery Inquiry, held shortly after the shootings, did not find out the truth about what happened on Bloody Sunday.

The inquiry has been adjourned until Wednesday.