They said the British authorities had made decisions against extradition - or had failed to make a decision - on numerous occasions over half a century.

John Edward McNicholl (73) is charged with murdering an RUC officer and attempted murder, while Seamus Christopher O'Kane (74) is charged with possession of firearms

The extradition warrant was issued four days prior to the commencement of the Legacy Act, which limits criminal investigations and prosecutions related to Troubles era offences.

John Edward McNicholl (72) of Newmills, Letterkenny, County Donegal and Seamus Christopher O'Kane (73) of Scalestown, Dunshaughlin, County Meath are wanted in the UK.

The High Court heard on Wednesday the murdered officer's gun was allegedly recovered from a farmhouse where Seamus Christopher O'Kane and two others were discovered hiding out in 1976.