HUNT FOR BOMBERS STILL ACTIVE AND ONGOING
Hunt for bombers still 'active and ongoing'
By JOHN McCUSKER
Relatives assured that hunt goes on
RELATIVES of those who died in the Omagh bomb have been given assurances that the hunt for the killers is still "active and ongoing."
The pledge was made after families of 14 of the victims came face to face with senior officers involved in the investigation.
Following the meeting - which took place in the Silverbirch Hotel on Saturday afternoon - Michael Gallagher, chairman of the Omagh Victims' Support Group, said the conference had at times been "exhausting and difficult" for everyone concerned.
Among senior police officers who took part in discussions was Detective Chief Superintendent Eric Anderson who has led the hunt for the bombers. Other officers present included Assistant Chief Constable Chris Albiston, Detective Superintendent Hamilton Houston and
Superintendent James Baxter.
Speaking afterwards, Mr Gallagher, whose son Adrian was among the 29 victims, said relatives had been given assurances that the investigation was continuing and further resources would be deployed as and when required.
"We were concerned that only one person has ever been charged and relatives called the meeting in a bid to find out the exact stage of the investigation.
"We felt the main focus of the investigation had moved south of the border, but those in charge of the probe told us that there was still a great willingness and co-operation between the RUC and Gardai in relation to the hunt.
"We were given assurances that if any additional resources were needed they would be applied immediately, and we were left in no doubt that the investigation itself was very much active and ongoing," he added.
In a personal appeal for information on those who carried out the attack, Mr Gallagher urged anyone who could help police with their enquiries to get in contact with detectives immediately.
Commenting on the weekend meeting, Assistant Chief Constable Albiston said police had maintained contact with families, as was normal in instances of serious crime.
"This meeting between police and the families was to update them on the progress of the investigation and to reassure them that we are still actively pursuing the investigation," he added.
Mr Albiston renewed his appeal for information in relation to the atrocity in order to enable detectives to bring to justice those responsible.
Relatives now plan to have a further meeting with Garda Commissioner Pat Byrne and have also requested a meeting with Victims' Minister, Adam Ingram.
Meanwhile, Victor Barker - who lost his son James in the explosion - is to meet with Prime Minister Tony Blair at Downing Street next Thursday.
Among the issues he will be raising will be the question of compensation for victims as well as looking for an update on the current state of the police inquiry.
By JOHN McCUSKER
Relatives assured that hunt goes on
RELATIVES of those who died in the Omagh bomb have been given assurances that the hunt for the killers is still "active and ongoing."
The pledge was made after families of 14 of the victims came face to face with senior officers involved in the investigation.
Following the meeting - which took place in the Silverbirch Hotel on Saturday afternoon - Michael Gallagher, chairman of the Omagh Victims' Support Group, said the conference had at times been "exhausting and difficult" for everyone concerned.
Among senior police officers who took part in discussions was Detective Chief Superintendent Eric Anderson who has led the hunt for the bombers. Other officers present included Assistant Chief Constable Chris Albiston, Detective Superintendent Hamilton Houston and
Superintendent James Baxter.
Speaking afterwards, Mr Gallagher, whose son Adrian was among the 29 victims, said relatives had been given assurances that the investigation was continuing and further resources would be deployed as and when required.
"We were concerned that only one person has ever been charged and relatives called the meeting in a bid to find out the exact stage of the investigation.
"We felt the main focus of the investigation had moved south of the border, but those in charge of the probe told us that there was still a great willingness and co-operation between the RUC and Gardai in relation to the hunt.
"We were given assurances that if any additional resources were needed they would be applied immediately, and we were left in no doubt that the investigation itself was very much active and ongoing," he added.
In a personal appeal for information on those who carried out the attack, Mr Gallagher urged anyone who could help police with their enquiries to get in contact with detectives immediately.
Commenting on the weekend meeting, Assistant Chief Constable Albiston said police had maintained contact with families, as was normal in instances of serious crime.
"This meeting between police and the families was to update them on the progress of the investigation and to reassure them that we are still actively pursuing the investigation," he added.
Mr Albiston renewed his appeal for information in relation to the atrocity in order to enable detectives to bring to justice those responsible.
Relatives now plan to have a further meeting with Garda Commissioner Pat Byrne and have also requested a meeting with Victims' Minister, Adam Ingram.
Meanwhile, Victor Barker - who lost his son James in the explosion - is to meet with Prime Minister Tony Blair at Downing Street next Thursday.
Among the issues he will be raising will be the question of compensation for victims as well as looking for an update on the current state of the police inquiry.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/0591
Published Date: 04-Nov-99
Related Images
