Former PM in inquiry testimony appeal

Thirteen civilians were killed on Bloody Sunday

The former Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath has asked the Bloody Sunday inquiry if he can give his evidence in London.

Lawyers for Mr Heath and the former defence minister, Lord Carrington, have told the Saville Inquiry that their clients have security concerns about giving evidence in Londonderry.

The 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.

It is now likely that the inquiry will hear legal submissions before deciding what to do.

Edward Heath: Wants to give evidence in London

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.

The Bloody Sunday 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.