Historians call for opening of secret Northern Ireland files to mark centenary

Push for transparency comes at a time of heightened tensions in region

Secret archives concerning some of the most controversial episodes from the inception of Northern Ireland could be opened amid pressure from historians advising on its centenary commemorations.

They include an archive dedicated to the Ulster Special Constabulary (USC) - a quasi-military and overwhelmingly Protestant reserve police force known as the B Specials" - and files potentially shedding light on their involvement in atrocities against the Catholic population.