Troubles murder team jobs secure

The police team investigating unsolved murders of the Troubles era have been told their funding for the next year has been secured.

The 180-strong Historical Enquiries Team had faced a £1.5m shortfall ahead of its new budget, due on 1 April.

Some members feared they would temporarily lose their jobs after promised additional cash was withdrawn.

However, the NIO said there was no question of funding being cut and cash would be supplied for the next year.

"The position always was that there was no question of money being cut," a spokesperson said.

"We have always said that we will try to find a way to resolve this situation.

"HET are now assured that they will have adequate resources to enable them to complete their programme of work this year."

The Historical Enquiries Team was set-up three years ago and given a budget of £34m over six years to examine more than 3,200 deaths.