New forensic evidence has emerged in the Guildford pub bombings, 50 years after the IRA attack killed five people and injured 65. Surrey Police identified a potential forensic line of enquiry, including DNA, that could lead to a new criminal investigation, according to lawyers representing the victims' families.
However, police have stated they will not launch a full investigation before the Northern Ireland Legacy Act comes into force on 1 May. The act offers immunity from prosecution for those involved in Troubles-related offences, effectively shielding perpetrators from justice. Families have expressed frustration at the timing, with one relative questioning why the evidence was not analysed sooner.
The attack occurred on 5 October 1974 at the Horse and Groom pub in Guildford. The victims were Paul Craig, 21, and soldiers Ann Hamilton, 19, Caroline Slater, 18, William Forsyth, 18, and John Hunter, 17. The Guildford Four and Maguire Seven were wrongly convicted in one of the UK's biggest miscarriages of justice.
Cassandra Hamilton, sister of Ann Hamilton, told the BBC that police had informed them of new evidence but did not specify whether it was DNA, fingerprints, or something else. She said police wrote to the Home Secretary in October but only received a response in January, delaying progress.
Surrey Police Deputy Chief Constable Nev Kemp said the forensic line of enquiry was identified in November 2022, and analysis was completed in August 2023. He acknowledged the timing was 'unfortunate' but insisted the force acted properly. He added that the force would now preserve the work done and notify the Northern Ireland Secretary.
Lawyer Barry O'Donnell of KRW Law said the timing 'raises too many questions' and questioned whether police could have continued their investigation. The families are now considering options under the new ICRIR framework, but remain determined to seek justice.
