'Damning' report on murder

Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan is to release the report on Monday

The Police Ombudsman's Office is to release what is expected to be a "damning" report into the RUC investigation of a loyalist paramilitary murder in 1997.

Sean Brown, 61, was shot dead by the Loyalist Volunteer Force after being abducted outside a GAA club in Bellaghy.

No-one has been charged with Mr Brown's murder, which is one of more than 1,800 unsolved killings during the Troubles.

Almost three years ago, Mr Brown's family asked Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan's office to examine the case.

The report by Mrs O'Loan's investigators examines the RUC's inquiry into the May 1997 murder.

A source has told the BBC that the findings to be published on Monday were "damning".

Abducted

Mr Brown was abducted as he locked the gates at his local GAA club in Bellaghy.

His body was later found in a burned out car. He had been shot dead by the LVF.

The Police Ombudsman's report will be given to the Brown family just hours before a news conference in Belfast on Monday.

A copy of the document is already with PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde's office.

The LVF was formed by Billy Wright, who broke away from the Ulster Volunteer Force after that organisation declared its 1994 ceasefire.

Wright was shot dead in the Maze Prison in December 1997.