The Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman is to investigate one of the most controversial shoot-to-kill allegations against the security forces, it is reported.
Nuala O'Loan has been asked by the Government to re-open files on the 1982 killing of three unarmed IRA men by Royal Ulster Constabulary officers after a chase through a checkpoint in Co Armagh, the Guardian newspaper said.
Gervaise McKerr was killed alongside Sean Burns and Eugene Toman following the pursuit near Lurgan.
Their car was riddled with bullets. The case has been subject to the highest courts in the UK and Europe.
"The Government has asked us to look at McKerr. But it is quite complex whether we have the legal power to investigate or not," said Mrs O'Loan.
The Government has always denied that the security forces had a shoot-to-kill policy but the families have campaigned for a re-examination.
"Police officers were charged with murder and acquitted," Mrs O'Loan added.
"The law says you can't reinvestigate if there has been a previous hearing.
"But it may be there are other issues that need to be investigated."
