Civil suit filed over Hyde Park bomb

Families of soldiers killed in the IRA bombing in London's Hyde Park are reportedly set to take legal action against a former suspect in the attack.

Relatives of two of the four members of the Royal Household Cavalry who died in the 1982 blast have informed British media of their intention to pursue John Downey, who has links to Co Cavan. 

Mr Downey was charged four years ago with the murders, which he denied. His prosecution at the Old Bailey collapsed in 2014 after it it was discovered the British government had mistakenly sent him a letter in 2007, part of the controversial 'On The Run' scheme, telling him he was no longer a wanted man.

Mr Downey is a convicted IRA member. He resides in Donegal, lived in Cavan for sometime previously and is understood to still have connections locally.

Sarahjane Young, daughter of Lance Corporal Jeffrey Young, who was 19 when he was killed, has filed a civil claim at London's High Court against Mr Downey, The Sun newspaper has reported.

A car bomb left in South Carriage Drive killed Squadron Quartermaster Corporal Roy Bright (36) Lieutenant Dennis Daly (23), Trooper Simon Tipper (19), and Lance Corporal Young, as well as injuring several others as they rode through Hyde Park to the changing of the guard.

Seven horses were also killed as the soldiers travelled from their barracks to Buckingham Palace.

In a campaign backed by The Sun, they are calling on people to make donations for her to take the civil action after she was refused legal aid.

Backing the claim Mark Tipper, older brother of Trooper Tipper is reported as saying: 'If we can get this man before the courts in some way, it will show the British public at least still believes in justice.

'We've been let down again and again by the authorities over the past 35 years and, if I'm honest, at times we've almost given up hope. We just want to get justice for them, no matter how long that takes.'