Former British Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath could be targeted by republican terrorists when giving evidence to the Bloody Sunday Inquiry says the British Home Office.
A threat assessment carried out by the Home Office and revealed to the Inquiry in Derry's Guildhall today, stated that irrespective of where the former premier gave his evidence, there "is potential for him to be singled out for attack".
The Inquiry's three judges are expected to rule later this week on an application by Mr Heath to have his evidence heard in London.
Barrister Mr David Mackie, who represents both Mr Heath and former Defence Secretary Lord Carrington, who were both in office on Bloody Sunday 30 years ago, said his clients faced wide ranging allegations about the killings of 13 civilians in the Bogside in January 1972.
"They are not being sought to give evidence on a token basis. They face a significant number of wide ranging allegations about what they did or did not do in the period which is the subject of the Inquiry's investigation," Mr Mackie said.
Mr Mackie said that Sir Edward (86) and Lord Carrington (83) were both well known worldwide and immediately recognisable, and because of their age their ability to retreat or escape in the event of an attack would be reduced.
"Giving controversial evidence to an Inquiry attracting widespread interest is a strain for anyone but particularly for those of our clients' ages and physical condition. That strain will increase when there is added to it travel, waiting, testifying and perhaps staying in an unknown and partly hostile environment", he added.
Meanwhile a Police Service assessment in relation to the retired politicians said both men would be marginally more vulnerable if they gave their evidence in Derry rather than in London and added that there was "no intelligence to indicate a specific threat" against them.
Barristers for the families of the Bloody Sunday victims said both Sir Edward and Lord Carrington should give their evidence in Derry.
Lord Gifford QC said his clients had already been deprived of hearing in Derry the evidence of the soldiers responsible for the killings.
"The people in this city, who are the most affected, should be able to witness the testimony of important political witnesses who bear some responsibility for the deployment of the British army in Northern Ireland and whose particular responsibility will have to be scrutinised", he said.
The Inquiry was adjourned until tomorrow.