Mr Stevens, a former Metropolitan Police Commissioner in London, sent 20 files to the PPS after conducting a lengthy inquiry into collusion between the RUC, British intelligence and loyalist paramilitaries.

The cases examined include the 1989 murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane.

The relatives of the victims say they have now been contacted by the PPS and told that there is not enough evidence to bring any criminal charges.

Victims groups and Sinn Fein politicians are condemning the decision as a scandal and a cover-up.

Mr Finucane (39) was shot dead at his home by loyalist paramilitaries, the Ulster Defence Association, in 1989.