The deputy mayor of Derry yesterday welcomed the decision by PSNI chief constable Mr Hugh Orde to appoint a senior detective to review the files of the police investigation into the 1972 bombing of Claudy in Co Derry.
Nine people were killed when three no-warning car bombs exploded in the village on the day of Operation Motorman on July 31st, 1972. No one was ever held responsible for the bombings.
Ulster Unionist councillor Ms Mary Hamilton, who was one of several dozen people injured in the explosions, said she hoped the decision to appoint Chief Insp Pat Steele to re-examine police records relating to the atrocity would finally bring closure to the families of the victims.
"I welcome this announcement and I would call on anyone who has information about that terrible day to come forward. We all know people are withholding information and this is their chance to clear their conscience about this dreadful atrocity," she said.
Billy and Merle Eakin, whose eight-year-old daughter, Kathryn, was the youngest of the nine victims, also welcomed Mr Orde's decision. "The police now have access to more information than they did then," said Mr Eakin.
Mrs Eakin said she believed some people in Claudy had information about the triple bombing which they have so far refused to disclose. "There are people walking around Claudy today who know the truth. I would appeal to them to tell what they do know to Chief Insp Steele," she said.