BOMBING PROBE NOT COLD, NEW CHIEF SAYS
Bombing probe not cold, new chief says
BY ADRIAN MULLAN
THE new chief investigator of the 1998 Omagh bombing has again appealed for witnesses to come forward following his meeting with a group of victim families.
In a special in depth interview with the UlsterHerald, Det. Supt Norman Baxter said that the complex investigation needs the full co-operation of "people very close to the Real IRA members who were responsible directly for the planting of the bomb, organising it and transporting it to Omagh".
"Can they really live with themselves with knowing that, if they have information relating to the murder of 29 people and two unborn children? The right thing to do would be to come forward and assist the police either the Garda or ourselves to bring these people to justice," he said.
Supt Baxter said he has a "very close relationship" and almost daily contact with the oversight officer appointed by the Policing Board, Chief Constable Mike Tonge of Merseyside. On one of the central issues raised in Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan's report lack of co-operation from the Special Branch Mr Baxter said, "I'm satisfied at this stage, that any information which is held by any agency will be made available to the investigation team."
He also said that he was satisfied that the "thrust' of the four-year-old investigation has been correct and any evidence gathered can still be used.
BY ADRIAN MULLAN
THE new chief investigator of the 1998 Omagh bombing has again appealed for witnesses to come forward following his meeting with a group of victim families.
In a special in depth interview with the UlsterHerald, Det. Supt Norman Baxter said that the complex investigation needs the full co-operation of "people very close to the Real IRA members who were responsible directly for the planting of the bomb, organising it and transporting it to Omagh".
"Can they really live with themselves with knowing that, if they have information relating to the murder of 29 people and two unborn children? The right thing to do would be to come forward and assist the police either the Garda or ourselves to bring these people to justice," he said.
Supt Baxter said he has a "very close relationship" and almost daily contact with the oversight officer appointed by the Policing Board, Chief Constable Mike Tonge of Merseyside. On one of the central issues raised in Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan's report lack of co-operation from the Special Branch Mr Baxter said, "I'm satisfied at this stage, that any information which is held by any agency will be made available to the investigation team."
He also said that he was satisfied that the "thrust' of the four-year-old investigation has been correct and any evidence gathered can still be used.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1038
Published Date: 27-Feb-02
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