The delivery of a major report into allegations of collusion between the security forces and loyalist paramilitaries in Northern Ireland has been delayed until the Autumn, it emerged this evening.
The report by the Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens had been expected to be delivered in the next few weeks but a Scotland Yard spokesman confirmed the delay.
He said: "The Commissioner has determined that the completed report should be absolutely thorough and therefore anticipates that he will be in a position to finalise and deliver it in the autumn."
The spokesman also confirmed that Mr Hugh Orde, who had been in day-to-day control of the probe, was no longer involved in the investigation.
Mr Orde, who was appointed Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland recently, will not be directly replaced but day-to-day control of the probe will revert to Sir John.
The team of officers involved in the Stevens inquiry will remain active and will be supplemented if deemed necessary, the spokesman added.
The decision to delay the release of the report comes after fresh allegations of collusion in the murder of Catholic solicitor Pat Finucane emerged in a documentary, and amid growing calls from the family for a public enquiry.
PA