Families receive Bloody Sunday report

Relatives of the victims of the Bloody Sunday massacre have entered the Guildhall in Derry after retracing the route taken by civil rights marchers in 1972, and have begun examining the findings of the Saville inquiry.

The families assembled at the Bloody Sunday Memorial down on the Bogside clutching photographs of their loved ones before beginning the 10 minute walk from Guildhall Square.

Just under 60 relatives took part in the sombre procession, snaking along a half-mile route in the city under brilliant sunshine.

The families went into the Guildhall following their march at around 10.25am.

They were watched by a large media contingent as they made their way into the building they were applauded as they made their way inside.

Among them was three-year-old Megan Bradley, who carried a picture of her grandfather, Jim Wray, who was shot dead on Bloody Sunday.

The Guildhall clock chimed as the families began the tense task of sifting through the mammoth document which has catalogued their loved ones’ final moments of life.

They will remain secluded inside until the British Prime Minister, David Cameron, presents the report to the London parliament at 3.30pm this afternoon.

Sinn Fein politicians Martin McGuinness and Conor Murphy were among those who accompanied the procession.

Mr McGuinness, who was second in command of the IRA in Derry in 1972 but who now fills the role of Six-County Deputy First Minister, said people around the globe would be anxiously awaiting the publication of the Saville report.

“This is a big day for Derry,” he said.

“This is a big day for Ireland. This is a big day for the world, because the eyes of the world are looking at what is going to happen.”

Urgent Appeal