A damning report by Sir John Stevens has revealed there was "disastrous collusion" between Northern Ireland security forces and loyalist paramilitaries.

The police chief found that agents run by the police and intelligence services took part in sectarian murders which left innocent people dead.

Citing obstruction by the forces in Northern Ireland, Sir John revealed an alarming picture which included murder, cover-up and arson.

"My inquiries have highlighted collusion, ranging from the wilful failure to keep records, the absence of accountability, the withholding of intelligence and evidence, through to the extreme of agents being involved in murder," said the report.

The inquiry was prompted by the murder of Belfast lawyer Pat Finucane.

The Guardian reports that members of Margaret Thatcher's government may be questioned over the cover-up.