Soldier shooting of unarmed IRA man ‘unjustified’

Paratroopers were unjustified in opening fire on an unarmed Official IRA man in Northern Ireland 40 years ago, according to a report.

• Report condemns paratroopers for shooting unarmed IRA member 40 years ago

• Soldiers shot Joe McCann as he was running away weeks after Bloody Sunday shootings

Soldiers shot Joe McCann several times as he ran away in Belfast, a team of detectives said.

The Historical Enquiries Team (HET) also accused police of failing to properly investigate the killing.

The review team’s report said: “The HET considers that Joe’s actions did not amount to the level of specific threat which could have justified the soldiers opening fire in accordance with the Army Rules of Engagement or their standard operating procedures.”

Mr McCann, 24, was shot on April 15 1972 in Joy Street in the Markets, a mainly nationalist housing area near the city centre.

It happened just weeks after the Bloody Sunday Army shootings of civil rights protesters in Londonderry and campaigners said the same soldiers were involved.

Mr McCann’s daughter, Nuala McCann, said: “The shooting of our father was not justified. It was unjustified.”