'Object Of Interest' Found In Army Killing Case

Detectives in Belfast say they've found an object of interest following the exhumation of the body of a man shot dead by the British Army.

Daniel Rooney was 18-years-old when killed by the secretive Military Reaction Force (MRF) in 1972.

At the time of his death no post-mortem examination was held although a medical report listed that a bullet entry wound was present. There was however no mention of an exit wound.

It was this that prompted the Police Service of Northern Ireland's (PSNI) Legacy Investigation Branch to apply to have Mr Rooney's body exhumed in order to see if they could find any bullet fragments.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil McGuinness, who is leading the investigation, said: "Mr Rooney's body has now been removed to allow some forensic work to be carried out; however, at this stage, we can confirm that we have found an object of interest that will be submitted for further forensic tests in due course."

The killing of Daniel Rooney is one of 17 MRF shootings under scrutiny amid allegations that the unit, comprising of approximately 40 British soldiers, carried out unjustified attacks during the height of the Troubles.

Detectives have appealed for members of the Military Reaction Force, which was tasked with tracking down and arresting, or killing, suspected members of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) to come forward.

MORE: Full List Of Military Reaction Force Incidents Under Investigation