Two held in 1994 pub gun massacre probe
A man and a woman were questioned today about the murders of six men who were shot dead as they watched the 1994 World Cup on television at a pub in Northern Ireland.
The man, aged 45, and 38-year-old woman were detained in the greater Belfast area.
At least two properties were also searched as part of the investigation into the massacre by the loyalist paramilitary Ulster Volunteer Force.
Gunmen armed with an AK47 and a Czech-made rifle sprayed bullets at customers inside the Heights Bar at Loughinisland, Co Down, on the night the Irish Republic beat Italy 1-0 in New York.
Five people were also injured in the June 1994 attack.
Families of the dead and injured said they welcomed the arrests. They had protested to Police Ombudsman Nuala O’Loan about the lack of progress. No-one has ever been charged with the shootings.
A statement said: “We have maintained a dignified degree of hope and optimism that some day the killers will be brought to justice, yet by its very nature we have no input into the police investigation and have no real knowledge of it.
“Indeed, as is known, the families have had to lodge a complaint with the Police Ombudsman through our solicitors due to the lack of progress and for other serious issues pertaining to the conduct of the police investigation.
“It would appear that the attention of the Police Ombudsman’s office has infused fresh endeavour into what is now a 12-year-old inquiry.
“The families hope that this arrest operation will result in charges and convictions but will await the outcome of these arrests before making further comment.”
