Three senior politicians have backed an appeal by families of two men murdered in Belfast five years ago for a senior police officer to attend a critical meeting on the murder investigation.

Paul Maskey MP and North Belfast MLAs Alban Maginness and Gerry Kelly have written on behalf of the families of murder victims Eddie Burns and Joe Jones to the Chief Constable Matt Baggott.

The political representatives have urged Matt Baggott to send a senior police officer to a meeting between the families and Public Prosecution Service chief Barra McGrory on 30 August.

Kathleen Burns, mother of murder victim Eddie Burns, thanked the local representatives for their support.

“We have a vital meeting coming up on 30 August with the PPS to discuss what we believe are serious failings in the investigation and prosecution of the killers of our loved ones, Eddie Burns and Joe Jones.

“We think that vital evidence was overlooked or not investigated properly since Eddie and Joe were murdered on 12 March 2007.

“As part of our campaign to bring the killers of Eddie and Joe to justice we met and briefed local politicians and we are grateful for their support.

“We are concerned that the murderers of Joe and Eddie are continuing to hurt other people and we are worried that some of those involved in the murders may be in the pay of the intelligence services.”

Joe Jones’ brother Peter also welcomed the support of the political representatives.

“Eddie and Joe were murdered by a drunken and drug fuelled CIRA gang in the most vicious manner possible that morning in March 2007. Our families have had to bear that every day for the last five years.

“The meeting with the PPS is vital in our campaign to have the murderers of Eddie and Joe brought to justice.

“We believe the PSNI must be there to answer serious questions about failings in the investigation.

“We welcome therefore the support of local politicians in our quest for justice.”