Relatives of victims of the UVF’s notorious Mount Vernon killer squads have demanded an independent overview of a new PSNI investigation into murders carried out by the gang.

And it is understood that some relatives have discussed the possibility of a legal challenge on plans to take the investigation away from the Historical Enquiries Team (HET). Last Thursday the HET informed families bereaved by the Mount Vernon UVF unit that ‘Operation Ballast’ was being passed to the PSNI’s Serious Crime Branch.

Raymond McCord, whose son Raymond jnr was murdered by the gang led by police informer Mark Haddock, said he had cross-party support for an independent element being brought into the new PSNI investigation.

“I had phone calls on Friday from Alex Attwood (SDLP), Basil McCrea (UUP) and Gerry Kelly (Sinn Fein) and they’re all supporting my demand for an independent eye to be brought into this,” Mr McCord said.

“I spoke to Drew Harris, the assistant Chief Constable responsible for CID investigations, on Friday too and he acknowledged our concerns. Personally, I would like Dave Cox, head of the HET, or his deputy Steve Hobbs to have an independent role in this to monitor the PSNI investigation.”

Mr McCord said it was vital that an independent element was given some role in the new PSNI investigation.

“Whether the Policing Board sets up a small panel or it asks Dave Cox or Steve Hobbs to keep an eye on it, the families of Haddock’s victims think it is essential that somebody outside the PSNI has an input in this investigation”, he said yesterday.

A spokesman for the PSNI said: “The chief constable and ACC Drew Harris have fully briefed the Northern Ireland Policing Board on the transfer of the Operation Ballast investigation from HET to Crime Operations Department.

“The PSNI is accountable to the Policing Board and we look forward to engaging with the board with regard to any possible oversight arrangements.”