The bloodiest year of the troubles
By December 31, the gruesome death toll would reach a staggering 496. Of those victims, 258 were civilians, 108 regular soldiers and 26 members of the Ulster Defence Regiment. The Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) lost 17 members, including the first two members of the RUC reserve. 74 republican and 11 loyalist paramiltaries added to the death count.
Loyalists were responsible for 121 killings and the security forces 85. Republicans were responsible for the biggest number-a total of 279 murders.
Amongst these were nine people in the village of Claudy.
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Hide AdThe quiet village of Claudy came to the world's attention for the most dreadful of reasons that day when three car bombs exploded on the Main Street.
Three car bombs were placed at intervals along the village's Main Street. A thriving rural hub with a mixed religious community, the Main Street was busy with shoppers at the time the bombs went off. Six people died instantly with three others succumbing to their wounds in the awful, grief filled days that followed.