Hunt goes on for informer's gun attacker

Martin McGartland was blasted several times at short range in his car in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, but survived.

He was living in hiding having passed on information about the IRA to the British authorities which has been credited with saving many lives.

Northumbria Police have made a number of arrests in the years since 1999 but no one has been charged.

The force said the attempted murder investigation was continuing.

Det Chief Supt Chris Thomson said: "People's loyalties can change a lot in 11 years and people may now be prepared to help us. It's a long time for people to keep silent about this."