Man (72) held over 1977 killing of RUC officer

A 72-year-old man has been arrested in connection with murder of a Catholic RUC officer in 1977.

A 72-year-old man has been arrested in connection with murder of a Catholic RUC officer in 1977.

RUC Det Sgt Joe Campbell (49), a  father-of-eight, was shot dead outside a police station in Cushendall, Co Antrim. He was hit once in the head with a high velocity rifle as he locked the village police station for the evening.

Northern Ireland’s Police Ombudsman’s Office said the man was arrested this morning.

Ombudsman Al Hutchinson is re-examining the case after complaints alleging police involvement in the shooting. His team is also investigating claims that the RUC failed to investigate the crime properly.

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A detective sergeant in RUC Special Branch who was charged with his murder was later acquitted after a trial in 1982. He had faced a total of 27 charges including having explosives and firearms and carrying out armed robberies in north Antrim.

He was sentenced to 20 years after being found guilty of one armed robbery, possession of a rifle and two hijackings, but was acquitted of the murder and other charges.

In the 1990s the Campbell family called for an independent inquiry into the killing.

Police Ombudsman appeals for information relating to the murder were made at local church services in the North last month.