Unsolved murders team 'independent'

Hugh Orde said an independent element was important

Retired police officers from outside Northern Ireland may be brought in to investigate contentious murders, Chief Constable Hugh Orde has said.

Northern Ireland Secretary Paul Murphy announced in September that the role of the Serious Crime Review team investigating unsolved murders would be expanded.

The newly-formed team is looking at more than 2,000 unsolved cases spanning the Troubles over a period of up to four years, Mr Orde said.

Speaking on the BBC's Spotlight programme, Mr Orde said an independent element was important in cases where there were allegations of collusion.

"I've already spoken to the commissioner who has agreed to give me some resources," he said.

"We will look at recruiting retired detectives from outside the province."

Mr Orde said the police would respect any concerns families may have about collusion.

He said "a substantial degree of independence" was important, "otherwise, we will not have credibility".