CONTROVERSY over the fatal shooting in London of Mr. Diarmuid O'Neill seems set to grow amid reports that the police officer believed responsible has not been suspended pending the inquiry by the independent Police Complaints Authority.
Scotland Yard is continuing to refuse to disclose any details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting, which occurred during Monday morning's massive security operation against the IRA. But reports yesterday hardened the belief that Mr O'Neill was not armed when police raided the Hammersmith guest-house in which he was staying.
Intelligence on Mr O'Neill is said to have led the security authorities to consider him likely to be dangerous. It is believed the officer involved in the shooting was from Scotland Yard's specialist SO 19 unit.
The family of Mr O'Neill is considering ordering an Independent post-mortem examination following media reports that he was unarmed and was allegedly shot at least six times a London coroner announced
Opening the inquest at Hammersmith Coroner's Court into Mr O'Neill's death, the coroner, Dr John Burton, said he was able to release the body for burial but the court had been informed by the family solicitor, Ms Gareth Peirce, that the family was planning to request an independent post-mortem examination.
"The funeral directors say they want to take the body out of England and I've got another message from them saying they want to keep the body in the mortuary in case they want another examination. As far as I am concerned the family can have the body. If they want another examination I will make sure they can do that conveniently," he said.
Mr O'Neill (27) died at Charing Cross hospital after an early morning police raid at a guest-house in Hammersmith, west-London on Monday. Although police did not find a gun at the house, sources insist that officers clearly shouted the proper, warnings before opening fire. Attempts to revive Mr O'Neill by the medical services and police failed.
The Northern Ireland Secretary, Sir Patrick Mayhew, refused to comment upon reports that Mr O'Neill was unarmed. "I think it is very important not to prejudge matters," he said.
During the 20-minute hearing at Hammersmith Coroner's Court, Acting Chief Insp Michael Jones of the Anti-Terrorist Branch confirmed that the Police Complaints Authority had begun an inquiry into Mr O'Neill's death, but gave no further details.
Det-Constable Kevin Tresidder, an Anti-Terrorist Branch officer, told the court that Mr O'Neill's sister, Siobhan, had formally identified the body.
After provisionally adjourning the inquest for one month, Dr Burton said the full hearing would be before a jury when the police had concluded their investigation. "I will summon a jury and hold an inquest as soon, as I have enough information and can fix a date. The family can have the body. There is no reason why the funeral cannot go ahead," he added.
As anti-terrorist officers continued to question five other IRA suspects arrested during Monday's security operation after being granted a 72-hour extension, it is understood that forensic scientists have been able to link Mr O'Neill to the 10 tons of explosives, guns and other bomb-making equipment discovered in an industrial warehouse in Hornsey Vale, north London.