'Massive' Breakthrough In Kingsmill Murder Case

Police have made a "massive" breakthrough in a 40-year-old investigation into who killed 10 Protestant workmen in Northern Ireland.

A recent reexamination of a palm print found on the killers' getaway vehicle has resulted in a potential match on the police database.

The development comes just a week after a new inquest was opened to examine what happened.

The IRA was widely blamed for killing the textile factory workers outside the village of Kingsmill in 1976.

The workers' minibus was stopped by a man waving a red light and those on board were asked to state their religion.

The only Catholic workman was ordered to run away.

The killers, who had been hiding in nearby hedges, ordered the rest to line up outside the van and then opened fire.

Alan Black - who was shot 18 times - was the only survivor.

Speaking outside the court where the new inquest is being held, Mr Black questioned the timing of the police's revelations.

"It's nearly unbelievable that they had it all this time and now, when we're into the inquest, they suddenly find a match," he said.

"It's unbelievable they couldn't have done this before."

Relatives of the victims were told of the development ahead of Tuesday's court hearing.

A lawyer for the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) later informed coroner Brian Sherrard, who described it as a "massive development" in the case.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton said the potential match was only found because of a "recent forensic development".

"A senior investigating officer has now been appointed in order to take this forward," he said.

"We have been liaising with the Coroner's Office in relation to this and will continue to do so."

He says the families will continue to be updated as soon as possible on any future developments.