POLICE investigating the rape and murder of Lorraine McCausland in Belfast in 1987 have arrested three men in Britain.
Ms McCausland, 23, was found dead by a stream in the Forthriver area of North Belfast in the early hours of March 8, 1987.
On Wednesday, the PSNI confirmed that two men, aged 49 and 56, were arrested in Scotland and a 53-year-old man was arrested in England. All three men will be brought to Northern Ireland for interview.
The PSNI reopened the investigation into Ms McCausland's death in November 2016.
Fourteen people were arrested during the original investigation into her rape and murder in 1987 but no one was charged.
"Lorraine was a popular member of the local community. She had worked as a stitcher and then in her sister's mobile shop.
"Everybody in the area knew Lorraine and liked her for her personality and kindness," Detective Inspector Michelle Griffin said.
Police investigating the murder of Lorraine McCausland in North Belfast in 1987 have arrested two men in Scotland and one man in England.
— PSNI (@PoliceServiceNI) May 31, 2017
"But some people have been reluctant to assist with the investigation into her rape and murder.
“The shadow of loyalist paramilitarism hangs over this case.
"I believe people have been reluctant to tell the truth about that night, what they saw and heard, what they know, because they are frightened."
Ms McCausland's son, Craig McCausland, was killed 18 years after her death in the Woodvale area of North Belfast in 2005 at the age of 20.
Police blamed the killing on tensions within loyalist community.
Detective Inspector Michelle Griffin has issued an appeal to anyone who has any information to contact police on the non-emergency number 101.
Information can also be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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