Two arrested in Meath, Donegal over murder of RUC officer

Two men have been arrested in Meath and Donegal in connection with the murder of a RUC officer in Co Derry, and the attempted murder of a colleague, almost 50 years ago.

The men are aged 73 and 72.

The 73-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder, while the second man is being questioned about firearms offences.

The arrests are linked to the murder of Constable Robert John McPherson and the attempted murder of a second officer in Dungiven on 26 July 1975.

The arrests were made under a Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TaCA) Warrant as part of a joint operation with the PSNI.

They are expected to appear in the High Court in Dublin later today.

A third man was arrested by PSNI detectives in Dungiven, Co Derry.

The 71-year-old is expected to appear in Derry Magistrates’ Court today.

The PSNI said a decision to prosecute the three men was issued by Northern Ireland’s Public Prosecution Service ahead to the commencement of the Northern Ireland (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 on 1 May.