Lawyers for Raymond McCord have issued judicial review proceedings against the PSNI over alleged delays in its investigation of the 1997 murder of his son, Raymond McCord Junior.

Mr McCord’s solicitor, Ciaran O’Hare of McIvor Farrell Solicitors, said there had so far been no inquest and no PSNI disclosures in respect of their investigation, despite his requests.

Mr McCord is now seeking damages and a declaration that the ongoing failure to make disclosure of investigation materials is in breach of his article 2 rights under the European Convention on Human Rights.

Mr O’Hare said his client was becoming worried that his declining health would impact his ability to participate in a future inquest.

He added: “There is no question that the delay on the part of the PSNI is the reason why there hasn’t been an inquest to date and a delay of almost 20 years is, in my view, unacceptable and unjustifiable.

“My client has suffered as a result of this delay and although his son’s murder will forever haunt him, he cannot move on with his life until an inquest has been convened.

“We now wait to receive a date for the hearing of this matter from the High Court.”