Jean McConville's son 'knows who murdered her but fears reprisal' as Gerry Adams arrested over killing

The son of a widow murdered by the IRA said today he knew exactly who was responsible for her death.

Michael McConville spoke as police continued to quiz Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams over the killing of his mum Jean.

He was just 11 when she was snatched by a gang in front of him at the family’s West Belfast home in 1972.

He said: “I know the names of the people. I have never told anyone.

“If I told the police now, me or one of my family or one of my children would get shot by these people.

“Everybody thinks that the IRA has gone away but they have not. If we tell we will be shot.”

The body of mum-of-10 Mrs McConville – wrongly accused of being an informer – was found in 2003, 60 miles away in the Irish Republic.

Mr Adams, leader and chief architect of the Irish republican movement’s peace strategy, was held on Wednesday night at a police station in Antrim.

Speaking before his detention he said he was “innocent of any part” in the murder.

He added: “I believe the killing of Jean McConville and the secret burial of her body was wrong and a grievous injustice to her and her family.”