Fresh probe into 1974 killing

Searches were organised to look for missing man

A new police investigation is to take place into the murder 29 years ago of a nationalist councillor in Northern Ireland.

Patrick Kelly, 33, went missing after locking up a bar in Trillick, County Tyrone, on 24 July 1974.

His body was found three weeks later, 10 miles away in Lough Eyes in Fermanagh. He had been shot several times and his body had been weighted down.

The loyalist paramilitary Ulster Freedom Fighters admitted the murder.

Police had been under intense pressure to launch a fresh investigation amid claims of collusion between the killers and the security forces in the murder.

My objective is to uncover the truth and, if possible, bring those responsible for Mr Kelly's murder before a court Det Super Andrew Hunter

The murdered man's brother, Peter, a Sinn Fein councillor in Omagh, said he believed the security forces were involved in the murder.

"We want an independent inquiry because we don't have any faith in the PSNI, RUC, whatever you call them," he said.

"From the very night it happened there was a cover-up and that is my personal view of it."

Detective Superintendent Andrew Hunter, who is heading up the inquiry team, said: "I am aware of the controversy surrounding this case, of rumours and allegations.

"I am acutely aware of the sensitivities and difficulties involved but my objective is to uncover the truth and, if possible, bring those responsible for Mr Kelly's murder before a court."

Mr Kelly, a councillor on Omagh District Council, was shot on the Badoney Road as he drove to his home at Golan.

Mr Kelly's brother Peter believes security forces were involved

That same night bloodstains, shirt buttons and cartridge cases were found on the roadside a mile from Trillick, where it is believed he met his killers.

A major search was launched after the roadside discoveries, but it was called off a week before Mr Kelly's body floated to the surface of the lake.

Patrick Fahy, the Kellys' solicitor, said the family were "deeply cynical" about the new inquiry.

Mr Fahy said they had not received assurances that officers involved in the original inquiry would not be investigating it again.

"The family's view was, and still is, that this requires investigation by an independent outside police force," Mr Fahy said.

Former SDLP assembly member for West Tyrone Joe Byrne has welcomed a fresh investigation.

"In 1974, the death of Councillor Kelly was one of the most horrendous crimes committed on a public representative and sent shock waves throughout the nationalist community in Tyrone," Mr Byrne said.

"Patsy Kelly was a deeply respected public representative and committed community activist. It is only right that the truth surrounding his murder is uncovered."