British Police to launch a murder inquiry 40 years after 13 people were shot dead by soldiers

British detectives are to launch a murder investigation into the Bloody Sunday deaths of 13 civilians shot dead by British soldiers in Londonderry more than 40 years ago.

The body of one of the 13 civil rights demonstrators killed by British soldiers [Photo credit: Daily Mail]

The probe will last at least four years and raises the possibility that former British soldiers – some now in their 70s and 80s – could stand trial facing criminal charges.

Thirty officers will focus on the actions of UK paratroopers following the findings of the £195million inquiry by Lord Saville which said none of those killed were armed and no warning was given before soldiers opened fire.

Last night a former Parachute Regiment soldier on duty at Bloody Sunday claimed ex-troops were being made ‘political scapegoats’. ‘It is an appalling betrayal,’ he said.

Read more: Daily Mail

Posted in: Bloody Sunday, British Troops, Civilians, Crime, Inquiry, Londonderry, Murder, Probe, Soldiers