THE brother of a convicted murderer is suing Essex Police over claims they fabricated evidence in his brother’s case.

Darren Bolger, 40, served county court papers on the force at its Chelmsford headquarters on Tuesday.

The writ claims he is suing the force over claims they fabricated and altered evidence in the case of his brothers Jason and Brian Bolger.

Jason Bolger, now 32, formerly of Celandine Close, South Ockendon, was caged in May 1999 for the killing of pub customer Gary Edwards at the Village Inn pub, in South Ockendon.

His brother Brian was ordered into psychiatric care indefinitely after admitting manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

Mr Bolger said: “My claim is that Essex Police fabricated evidence and corruptly acted in a murder investigation.

“It has been a long process I have taken, with a number of others involved.

“But now I finally have the evidence to support the claim in a court. I am happy to fight them in any court.”

Nicola Bastendorff, spokeswoman for Essex Police, said: “Essex Police has been served with court proceedings which relate to the murder of Gary Edwards.

“The documents are being examined by the force solicitor.”

During a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court, jurors head how the Bolger brothers had been drinking at the pub on March 11, 1998, when they are alleged to have launched the attack on fellow drinker, 40-year-old Mr Edwards.

Mr Edwards was felled by a single punch before a bar stool was smashed over his head.

He was also slashed with broken bottles and ashtrays before he was dragged into the street where he was kicked, punched and stamped on.

Mr Edwards received eight broken ribs and his jaw was broken in four places.

Passer-by James Buckingham, who tried to help, was also attacked and was left with a hole the size of a golf ball in his skull.

Murder charges brought against a third man were discharged by the court.

In April last year Jason Bolger launched a bid to challenge his conviction.