A reserve constable was among five men and two women arrested in the Portadown area yesterday, as part of an investigation into the death of Mr Robert Hamill in the Co Armagh town four years ago.
The arrests were carried out by the RUC on the orders of the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman, Ms Nuala O'Loan. Mr Hamill (25), a father of three children, was kicked and beaten by up to 30 loyalists as he returned home with friends in April 1997. He died in hospital 12 days later.
RUC officers were accused of not intervening while witnessing the attack from their Land-Rover. The RUC claimed its officers had intervened but were overwhelmed and had to wait for reinforcements before moving in. Six men were charged with Mr Hamill's murder, but charges against five of them were dropped after witnesses withdrew their evidence. A sixth man was acquitted. Ms O'Loan said yesterday: "I have previously given a commitment to Mr Hamill's family, and to the public, that I will dedicate the necessary resources to ensure that all avenues are investigated in this case and we get to the truth. These arrests are part of that process."
The Hamill family said: "It is nearly four years since Robert was murdered, and to this date the mechanisms of justice have consistently failed to resolve any of the questions we have raised concerning the events of April 27th, 1997, and the subsequent RUC investigation.
"We hope these arrests are a turning point and that as a result those responsible will be held accountable for their involvement in Robert's death. Whilst there is a compelling case for a public inquiry, we hope these recent developments will finally persuade the British government to commit itself to an independent public judicial inquiry."
Sinn Fein said the arrests lent further weight to the need for an independent inquiry.
An RUC spokesman said: "It is a matter for the Police Ombudsman." Mr Paul May, of the Robert Hamill Campaign in London, said: "We hope we do not have a situation where charges are laid in limbo for some months, as in other cases, and that it does not impede any move to an independent inquiry."
The Northern Agriculture Minister, Ms Brid Rodgers, said: "The determined work of the Police Ombudsman is one part of this picture, but the other pieces of the picture need to be addressed. The Hamill killing has a profound resonance within the community, and its deep significance must be recognised by the fullest exploration of the facts."