The Troubles: familes of victims vow to continue fight for justice as Legacy Acts ends inquests

All civil litigation and inquests into Troubles deaths have been stopped from today (Wednesday).

That is because the new Legacy Act will end 35 inquests which had not reached their final stages.

These will now be transferred to a new truth recovery body.

Prosecutions that are currently ongoing will continue to conclusion.

Troubles victims and survivors have been heavily critical of the move which they believe is shutting down access to justice and truth.

Speaking to Downtown Radio & Cool FM, victims campaigner, Raymond McCord whose son was killed by the UVF in 1997, said he will not give up fighting for justice.

"We the victims from all communities will fight this," he said.

"And we are going to defeat the British Government - make no mistake about it.

"My son's case is not going to get thrown into a bin."

"What keeps me going - I put fresh flowers on his grave on Sunday - and every time I go to the grave I tell him I will get him justice."

Meanwhile, the man taking over responsibility for investigating unresolved Troubles deaths has challenged politicians in Northern Ireland to "step up" and support his work.

Peter Sheridan is commissioner for investigations at the new Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR), which has become operational.

Mr Sheridan, a former senior police officer, told PA News that dealing with legacy was the "outstanding issue" still to be resolved from the Troubles.

Meanwhile, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris said he was confident the commission could deliver results if it is "given an opportunity to demonstrate its effectiveness".

He said: "It is very welcome news that the commission can now proceed to conduct reviews on behalf of families and provide vital information about Troubles-related cases.

"Individuals and families now have access to a dedicated, well resourced and effective mechanism to take forward the task of reviewing their case.

"I encourage all those who continue to seek information, accountability and acknowledgment regarding what happened to them or their loved ones to engage wholeheartedly with the ICRIR.

"In establishing the independent commission, we are doing something that has eluded successive governments since 1998. That is, delivering robust and effective mechanisms for addressing the legacy of the past, and providing more information and answers to families."

The commission's case support team can be contacted via telephone on 028 9036 2093, by email at Casesupport@icrir.independent-inquiry.uk and by post at ICRIR, FREEPOST

Telephone lines will be open between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday, apart from public holidays.