Inquiry hears ex-PM could be target

Thirteen civilians were killed on Bloody Sunday

Former Prime Minister Edward Heath could be targeted by republican terrorists when giving evidence to the Bloody Sunday Inquiry, the Home Office has said.

The inquiry was told on Monday that there was a potential for an attack wherever he gave evidence.

A police assessment said he would be marginally more at risk 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.

Lord Saville: Inquiry chairman

The inquiry's three judges are expected to rule later this week on an application by Sir Edward to have his evidence heard in London.

Lawyer David Mackie, who represents Sir Edward and former defence secretary Lord Carrington, said his clients faced wide ranging allegations about the killings.

"They are not being sought to give evidence on a token basis," he said.

"They face a significant number of wide ranging allegations about what they did or did not do in the period which is the subject of the inquiry's investigation."

'Hostile environment'

The barrister said Sir Edward, 86, and Lord Carrington, 83, were both well known worldwide and immediately recognisable.

He said because of their age their ability to retreat or escape in the event of an attack would be reduced.

"Giving controversial evidence to an inquiry attracting widespread interest is a strain for anyone but particularly for those of our clients' ages and physical condition," he said.

"That strain will increase when there is added to it travel, waiting, testifying and perhaps staying in an unknown and partly hostile environment", he added.

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.