Northern Ireland's chief constable has been ordered conduct an independent investigation into alleged collusion between the PSNI and loyalist terrorists.

The Northern Irish Court of Appeal today upheld a ruling that former PSNI Chief Constable George Hamilton acted unlawfully in failing to properly investigate claims of state collusion with the Glenanne Gang.

The UVF gang is believed to have counted rogue security forces personnel within its ranks and has been accused of carrying out over 100 murders in the 1970s.

A court previously ruled that the PSNI decision to halt an Historic Enquiries Team investigation into the gang's activities breached the forces human rights obligations.

That ruling was upheld today.

The court today ordered the new Chief Constable Simon Byrne to bring in an independent body to carry out the investigation.

The case against the PSNI was taken by Eddie Barnard whose brother Patrick was murdered by the gang.

Edward Barnard, whose brother Patrick was murdered by the Glenanne gang, speaks outside the Belfast High Court, 05-07-2019. Image: Brian Lawless/PA Wire/PA Images

Speaking outside court he said twenty members of his family have passed away since the investigative process began.

"We could not and will not give up until the truth is uncovered," he said.

"We urge the Chief Constable not to make the same mistakes as the previous one, and to ensure that this Court judgment is complied with without further delay.”

Mr Barnard's solicitor Darragh Mackin said the ruling marked a " momentous day for the Glenanne families in their quest for truth and justice."

"The Court has now expressly ruled that the Chief Constable has acted unlawfully by breaching his commitment to the families to ensure that a thematic investigation is conducted by an independent police force," he said.

"The families now eagerly await the proposed plans by the chief constable to ensure the judgment of the Court is complied with, and that an independent investigation is completed without any further delay.

"The families have now tirelessly battled for the truth in the Belfast Courts and today marks the beginning of the end in their pursuance of truth, justice and accountability."

He praised the families for their " boundless energy and determination."

File photo of incoming PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne at a press conference, 01-07-2019. Image: Niall Carson/PA Wire/PA Images

This afternoon PSNI Chief Constable Byrne accepted the judgement and said work would now begin on the appointment of an Independent Police Team to carry out the investigation.

“Our thoughts first and foremost, are with the Barnard family and those with them in court today," he said.

"They like too many other families have suffered as a result of the Troubles and, understandably, they continue to seek answers in respect of the deaths of their loved ones.

He said the PSNI would now take time to consider the judgement and would begin assembling an independent team to carry out inquiry.