The Guardian reveals that a report by Metropolitan Police chief, Sir John Stevens attacks links between Northern Ireland's special branch officers, army intelligence and loyalist paramilitaries.

The report, to be published within weeks, is thought to conclude that the relationship borders on "institutionalised collusion".

The investigation into the murder of republican lawyer, Pat Finucane, rules out a "sinister web of conspiracy" but criticises the "gross unprofessional and irresponsibility" of the province's security services.