BREAKING: three arrested in relation to RUC officer's murder in 1975

It followed a joint operation by the Garda Siochana and the PSNI

Three men have been arrested in connection with the murder of an RUC officer in Co Londonderry nearly 49 years ago.
Author: Nigel GouldPublished 12th Jun 2024
Last updated 12th Jun 2024

Three men have been arrested in connection with the murder of an RUC officer in Co Londonderry nearly 49 years ago.

Constable Robert John McPherson was gunned down during an ambush in Dungiven on July 26, 1975.

Two arrests were made in counties Meath and Donegal under a Trade and Co-operation Agreement as part of a joint operation between the Garda Siochana and the PSNI.

A 72-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder while a 73-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of firearms offences linked to the officer's murder.

They are expected to appear at Dublin High Court later today (Wednesday)

Detectives from the PSNI's Legacy Investigation Branch have also arrested a 71 year old man in the Dungiven area as part of the same investigation.

He is expected to appear before Londonderry Magistrates Court later today.

In a statement, the PSNI said it had been liaising closely with An Garda Siochana and today’s "arrests demonstrate the benefits of joint working between police services and other national partner agencies. "

A decision to prosecute the three individuals was issued by the Public Prosecution Service prior to the commencement of the Northern Ireland (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 on 1 May 2024.