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Sturgeon says Clutha families need answers

Families of the victims have waited almost two years, says Ms Sturgeon
Families of the victims have waited almost two years, says Ms Sturgeon
PA:PRESS ASSOCIATION

The first minister has called for publication of the report into the investigation into the Clutha Bar helicopter tragedy to be speeded up.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said in November last year that the final report was expected to be published “in the middle of 2015”.

Nicola Sturgeon has written to the UK government’s transport secretary, Patrick McLoughlin, urging him to assure families of the victims that the report will be published as soon as possible. She told Mr McLoughlin that relatives of the 10 people who died when a police helicopter crashed onto the roof of the Glasgow pub on November 29, 2013, were still waiting for answers.

An initial report from investigators said the aircraft suffered engine failure but the final conclusions of the AAIB are yet to be published.

In the letter, Ms Sturgeon said: “While I fully understand the need for the most rigorous possible investigation, taking account of all possible factors, I am concerned at this apparent slippage in timescale.

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“The Clutha families have already waited for almost two years, and I believe they should have an assurance that the report is now nearing completion and will be published imminently and certainly before the second anniversary of the tragedy.”

The first minister has previously raised concerns about the speed of the investigation in a letter to the prime minister.

An AAIB spokesman said: “The Clutha investigation continues to ensure the AAIB is satisfied all evidence and any additional information has been fully considered.

“The report is now being reviewed and will be published in due course.”

The bar reopened last month with Ms Sturgeon attending the ceremony.