FURTHER EVIDENCE SHOWS MISTAKES IN BOMB PROBE
Further evidence shows mistakes in bomb probe
By Rosetta Donnelly
Key witnesses never questioned because of 'lack of resources'
KEY witnesses to the Omagh atrocity may have been overlooked by police officers carrying out the murder hunt.
Automatic cash dispensers, credit cards and guests lists at weddings were three basic lines of inquiry which were not followed up detectives one of the many glaring mistakes in the Omagh bomb inquiry.
In Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan's Report, she highlighted a catalogue of errors including previously undisclosed details in an internal police report which show detectives did not follow up three basic lines of inquiry.
Police had a list of 150 people who used automatic cash dispensers in the Market Street area town in the hours before the blast just after 3pm, but did not question them.
They also had a record of all those who used credit cards in the nearby shops, and guest lists of three weddings taking place in Omagh that day, but none of those were comprehensively checked out.
Many of these people could fall into other categories and may well have made statements to the police already. However, without a definitive cross-reference system, and documented proof that they had no valuable information, it is impossible to know whether crucial witnesses were overlooked.
The ombudsman's report refers to evidential opportunities missed, but does not highlight the cash point, credit card and wedding lists.
Chief Superintendent Brian McVicker uncovered the lack of action on these matters in his internal review of the investigation, completed in November 2000. The ombudsman found few of his 270 recommendations had been acted upon.
Throughout the inquiry, Sir Ronnie has insisted police have left no stone unturned in trying to bring the bombers to justice.
Michael Gallagher, a spokesman for many of the relatives, said: "It seems to me that far too many stones have been left unturned. It's my understanding these lists weren't followed up due to lack of resources.
"We thought everything possible was being done.
"Now, it appears that wasn't the case at all" he added.
By Rosetta Donnelly
Key witnesses never questioned because of 'lack of resources'
KEY witnesses to the Omagh atrocity may have been overlooked by police officers carrying out the murder hunt.
Automatic cash dispensers, credit cards and guests lists at weddings were three basic lines of inquiry which were not followed up detectives one of the many glaring mistakes in the Omagh bomb inquiry.
In Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan's Report, she highlighted a catalogue of errors including previously undisclosed details in an internal police report which show detectives did not follow up three basic lines of inquiry.
Police had a list of 150 people who used automatic cash dispensers in the Market Street area town in the hours before the blast just after 3pm, but did not question them.
They also had a record of all those who used credit cards in the nearby shops, and guest lists of three weddings taking place in Omagh that day, but none of those were comprehensively checked out.
Many of these people could fall into other categories and may well have made statements to the police already. However, without a definitive cross-reference system, and documented proof that they had no valuable information, it is impossible to know whether crucial witnesses were overlooked.
The ombudsman's report refers to evidential opportunities missed, but does not highlight the cash point, credit card and wedding lists.
Chief Superintendent Brian McVicker uncovered the lack of action on these matters in his internal review of the investigation, completed in November 2000. The ombudsman found few of his 270 recommendations had been acted upon.
Throughout the inquiry, Sir Ronnie has insisted police have left no stone unturned in trying to bring the bombers to justice.
Michael Gallagher, a spokesman for many of the relatives, said: "It seems to me that far too many stones have been left unturned. It's my understanding these lists weren't followed up due to lack of resources.
"We thought everything possible was being done.
"Now, it appears that wasn't the case at all" he added.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/0951
Published Date: 07-Feb-02
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