RUC ANGRILY DENIES NEWSPAPER'S BOMB TIP OFF CLAIMS
RUC angrily denies newspaper's 'bomb tip off' claims
By Sharon O'Neill
THE RUC last night angrily hit out at claims that it was alerted to a bomb destined for Omagh - three days before the Real IRA explosion in 1998.
It was alleged in a Sunday newspaper yesterday that a former agent, using the pseudonym Kevin Fulton, tipped off his Special Branch handlers about the location of the mix for the huge bomb.
The Real IRA attack on August 15 1998 killed 29 people, including a woman pregnant with twins, and injured hundreds of others, some maimed for life.
An article in the Sunday People claimed that the RUC had failed to act on the information prior to the explosion, in order to protect the bomb-maker, who was also allegedly an informer.
It was also claimed that Kevin Fulton later showed a senior RUC officer where the bomb was made.
The newspaper further alleged that gardai were informed in advance about the car used to transport the bomb to Omagh but "lost" the vehicle.
Last night the RUC strenuously denied the allegations.
A spokesman said: "There is no substance whatsoever in these allegations. The investigations into the Omagh bombing is continuing.
"If anyone has any information that is useful to .that investigation we would like to hear from them."
The Garda Siochana declined to comment last night, as did the Metropolitan Police, as it was claimed Mr Fulton made a statement to the Stevens inquiry detailing the allegations.
Last night Michael Gallagher, whose 21-year-old son Aidan, was killed in the explosion, expressed concern at the latest claims.
Speaking as the third anniversary of the bombing approached, he said: "These are very, very serious allegations about the worst single atrocity in the recent history of Northern Ireland and they must be fully and independently investigated."
Mr Gallagher added that the latest allegations would be raised at tomorrow's meeting with Secretary of State John Reid, which is being held to discuss any progress in the investigation.
By Sharon O'Neill
THE RUC last night angrily hit out at claims that it was alerted to a bomb destined for Omagh - three days before the Real IRA explosion in 1998.
It was alleged in a Sunday newspaper yesterday that a former agent, using the pseudonym Kevin Fulton, tipped off his Special Branch handlers about the location of the mix for the huge bomb.
The Real IRA attack on August 15 1998 killed 29 people, including a woman pregnant with twins, and injured hundreds of others, some maimed for life.
An article in the Sunday People claimed that the RUC had failed to act on the information prior to the explosion, in order to protect the bomb-maker, who was also allegedly an informer.
It was also claimed that Kevin Fulton later showed a senior RUC officer where the bomb was made.
The newspaper further alleged that gardai were informed in advance about the car used to transport the bomb to Omagh but "lost" the vehicle.
Last night the RUC strenuously denied the allegations.
A spokesman said: "There is no substance whatsoever in these allegations. The investigations into the Omagh bombing is continuing.
"If anyone has any information that is useful to .that investigation we would like to hear from them."
The Garda Siochana declined to comment last night, as did the Metropolitan Police, as it was claimed Mr Fulton made a statement to the Stevens inquiry detailing the allegations.
Last night Michael Gallagher, whose 21-year-old son Aidan, was killed in the explosion, expressed concern at the latest claims.
Speaking as the third anniversary of the bombing approached, he said: "These are very, very serious allegations about the worst single atrocity in the recent history of Northern Ireland and they must be fully and independently investigated."
Mr Gallagher added that the latest allegations would be raised at tomorrow's meeting with Secretary of State John Reid, which is being held to discuss any progress in the investigation.
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0510
Published Date: 30-Jul-01
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