OMAGH: TOP COPS MAY HEAD PROBE INTO TRAGEDY
Top cops may head probe into tragedy
By STEPHEN BREEN
A NEW inquiry may be launched into the horrific Omagh bomb blast, it emerged last night.
Ulster's top cop Sir Ronnie Flanagan revealed senior officers from England may be brought in to spearhead a new investigation into the bombing. The outgoing Chief Constable confirmed he has considered the use of "external expertise" in his bid to bring the Omagh bombers to justice. Sir Ronnie has already held talks with Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary about the possibility of cops from the UK launching a new investigation. It is understood the move will be launched in a bid to reassure families of the 29 victims who perished in the blast everything is being done to catch the bombers. He said: "If that what it takes to reassure victims that no stone will be left unturned in this investigation - which remains current and live - then we will bring in a team from outside. "The families and the victims have been through far too much already.
"I don't think bringing in an outside team will be any more effective than our own team doing it.
"But I think now that all these leaks have been placed in the public domain I am determined to take all steps I can to provide as much reassurance as possible to the victims.
"I'm heartbroken that families who have already been through so much are being put through needless further trauma.
"We've had external teams before for different reasons but want those families to have very reassurance that every lead up in this investigation." Sir Ronnie also believes the bombers can be brought to justice.
He added: "People are casting aspirations on the RUC investigation and I want to take all possible steps to allay any fears and provide as much reassurance for these families. "I think it's possible these people can be caught - we will not give up all hope, but at the same time I wouldn't want to give rise to false hope." The initial investigation into the Omagh bombing was headed by now retired Detective Chief Superintendent Eric Anderson.
By STEPHEN BREEN
A NEW inquiry may be launched into the horrific Omagh bomb blast, it emerged last night.
Ulster's top cop Sir Ronnie Flanagan revealed senior officers from England may be brought in to spearhead a new investigation into the bombing. The outgoing Chief Constable confirmed he has considered the use of "external expertise" in his bid to bring the Omagh bombers to justice. Sir Ronnie has already held talks with Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary about the possibility of cops from the UK launching a new investigation. It is understood the move will be launched in a bid to reassure families of the 29 victims who perished in the blast everything is being done to catch the bombers. He said: "If that what it takes to reassure victims that no stone will be left unturned in this investigation - which remains current and live - then we will bring in a team from outside. "The families and the victims have been through far too much already.
"I don't think bringing in an outside team will be any more effective than our own team doing it.
"But I think now that all these leaks have been placed in the public domain I am determined to take all steps I can to provide as much reassurance as possible to the victims.
"I'm heartbroken that families who have already been through so much are being put through needless further trauma.
"We've had external teams before for different reasons but want those families to have very reassurance that every lead up in this investigation." Sir Ronnie also believes the bombers can be brought to justice.
He added: "People are casting aspirations on the RUC investigation and I want to take all possible steps to allay any fears and provide as much reassurance for these families. "I think it's possible these people can be caught - we will not give up all hope, but at the same time I wouldn't want to give rise to false hope." The initial investigation into the Omagh bombing was headed by now retired Detective Chief Superintendent Eric Anderson.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0799
Published Date: 08-Dec-01
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