POLICE from Northern Ireland investigating more than 3,000 deaths that occurred during the Troubles have interviewed a retired Army officer from the region.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) are currently undertaking a major protected review into many of the 3,200 deaths – classed as homicides – but have faced criticism that the enquiry is focussing too heavily on former soldiers.

Officers from Northern Ireland have travelled to North Yorkshire and interviewed at least one retired army officer concerning the 'historical inquiries.' It is understood the retired officer lives in the Yorkshire Dales and has been interviewed concerning an unspecified incident serving in the army while in Northern Ireland.

A spokesman for the Police Service of Northern Ireland said: “Between January 1, 1969, and March 1, 2004, there were more than 3,200 homicides in Northern Ireland. The review of these cases and where credible evidence exists, the further investigation of them, is the responsibility of the Legacy Investigation Branch.

“As part of enquiries into a range of cases, detectives from LIB may have reason to speak to former military personnel however it would not be appropriate to confirm any further details in relation to the number of people we have interviewed or plan to interview and their locations.”

The PSNI denied it had a policy or a decision to reinvestigate all homicides attributed to the military, either collectively or individually. North Yorkshire Police declined to comment.

Many former service personnel have been interviewed around the UK; letters have also been sent to other retired officers in the region indicating that they too may be spoken to. It is not known if they are to be treated as potential witnesses or as suspects.

The number of deaths attributable to the army is 238 out of the 3,200 deaths during the period. The investigation is highly-unpopular and seen as unfair by many former service personnel, as many of the deaths were a result of bombing or shooting attacks.

Last week James Brokenshire, Northern Ireland Secretary, said investigations into killings during the Troubles were disproportionately focusing on former members of the police and the army.

Around 1,000 former service personnel attended a protest march in London two weeks ago.