The 1978 IRA attack at the hotel outside Belfast saw a bomb detonate during a dance at which 400 people attending, causing a fireball. Twelve people were killed and more than 30 people were injured during the incident.

The Police Ombudsman report found there was ‘earnest endeavour’ to bring those responsible to justice but it was unable to explain why records from the original police investigation have been lost. The report followed a complaint made about the initial investigation into the bombing by the RUC.

“Today, my thoughts are with the families of victims and survivors of the La Mon bombing, as should everyone’s. It truly was one of the most horrific and appalling incidents of the Troubles,” said Ms Egan.

“Responsibility for this terrible incident lies squarely with those who planned and carried it out – the IRA. They must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.

“But it is deeply disappointing police records from the time have been lost. It follows that all the many questions families have, whether enquiries were carried out or carried out correctly, can never be fully answered as a result. This points to clear failures across policy and practice at the time.

“At the very least, survivors and the loved ones of the victims deserve answers about this atrocity. People need to have access to truth and justice.”