The 25th anniversary of the murder of investigative reporter Martin O'Hagan, who was shot dead in Lurgan, County Armagh, in 2001, was marked earlier this week. Mr O'Hagan, 51, was killed while walking home from a pub with his wife.
The Red Hand Defenders, a cover name used by both the Loyalist Volunteer Force and Ulster Defence Association, claimed responsibility for the killing. Despite widespread condemnation and charges that were subsequently withdrawn, no one has ever been convicted for his murder.
Mr O'Hagan's brother, Fintan, expressed his belief that the people who murdered Martin were British agents. He stated that the family has raised concerns with the Police Ombudsman's office regarding details of the case.
The Police Ombudsman's office confirmed that Jacqui Durkin, the new Police Ombudsman, has been in contact with the O'Hagan family and has prioritised the completion of a public statement, with a publication timeline to be provided in due course.