Angry clashes delay Troubles report

Bereaved relatives stood head-to-head pointing fingers at one another, trading accusations over the deaths of their loved ones.

The heated exchanges took place within feet of Northern Ireland Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde, who was among dignitaries and hundreds of relatives gathered for the launch of the report in the city's Europa Hotel.

Protesters, including hard-line Unionist MEP Jim Allister, held placards condemning the authors of the report on dealing with the Troubles for recommending a £12,000 payment to the families of all victims, including dead paramilitaries.

There were appeals for calm before the arrival of the document's authors, Lord Eames and Dennis Bradley. Also in the audience was former Metropolitan chief John Stevens, who led inquiries into the allegations of collusion between security forces and loyalist paramilitaries.

Relatives whose loved ones were killed by republicans shouted accusations as the families of Catholics shot dead by security forces retaliated with stories of their own loss.

At one stage the situation in the Europa Hotel threatened to turn really ugly as people clashed with each other, jabbing fingers and trading insults.

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams, who was sitting in the hall, was among those targeted by the protesters.

One screamed: "This is the man who was in charge of the IRA on the day of Bloody Friday." Others hit back and shouted: "You should be arrested. Leave him alone. Why don't you get out?"

Organisers of the press launch threatened to have some of the protesters removed before proceedings eventually got under way.