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Service held in Newry for RUC officers killed in 1985

Pacemaker PSNI chief constable Jon Boutcher, standing in front of a small microphone. He is wearing a black suit with medals on the front and glasses. There are women sitting to the left of him. Pacemaker
PSNI chief constable Jon Boutcher was among those who attended the event

A service of reflection has been held in Newry to remember nine RUC officers killed during an IRA attack 40 years ago.

Victims' relatives, survivors and the PSNI chief constable Jon Boutcher, as well as senior Garda representatives, were in attendance.

The IRA mortar attack on the RUC's Corry Square base in the town took place on 28 February 1985.

It resulted in the highest ever death toll suffered by the RUC in a single incident - nine officers - seven men and two women - were killed and almost 40 others were injured.

Pacemaker The aftermath of a bomb. Wood and debris from the base piled up on the ground and a range rover dark blue car with an officer dressed in black standing in front of the scene. Pacemaker
The IRA attack on the RUC's Corry Square base took place on the 28 February 1985

'A scene of carnage'

Bill Stewart is the former RUC Divisional Commander for Newry.

He told BBC News NI that he remembers the communications officer in Newry phoning him to say that there had been a mortar attack and that there were "bodies all over the yard".

Pacemaker Bill has a navy blue suit on with a blue and white striped shirt and navy tie on. He has grey hair and is wearing three medals - they are red, blue and white and green and white. Pacemaker
Bill Stewart is the former RUC Divisional Commander for Newry

"The way he said it .. it was quite impactive. I turned and went immediately back to Newry station and was met with a scene of carnage and death," he said.

"I'm privileged to be here to mark the passing of fine officers," he added.

"I don't think they will ever be forgotten about here. There was a comradeship and a bond of friendship here that hasn't disappeared," he said.

Pacemaker A piper walks into the churchPacemaker
A piper played at the service

In a statement prior to the event on Sunday, Kenny Donaldson, director of the South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF) said the "scale of loss for the policing family was hugely significant".

Pacemaker A patchwork quilt showing the names, ages and RUC positions held by those who were killed. Pacemaker
A quilt listing the names of those killed in the attack

"This was a callous attack on not only innocent police personnel but also upon our system of law and order," he added.