POLICE HAVE SECOND VIDEO TAPE OF THE BOMB
Police have second video tape of bomb
BY: JOHN McCUSKER
POLICE have this week confirmed they are in possession of a second amateur video tape depicting horrific scenes recorded minutes after a 300lb bomb ripped through the Market Street area of Omagh last August.
The emergence of the tape has led to fears it may cause further anguish for victims and their families, if ever shown on television.
The original film, together with a copy of the recording, were seized by RUC detectives days after the August 15 blast.
The eight and a half minute video, shot from near the Kozy Corner, is believed to contain graphic scenes of the carnage which followed the explosion.
Its contents are thought to be similar to other footage screened worldwide in the aftermath of the atrocity.
Rescuers are seen clawing frantically among the rubble, while dozens of seriously injured are ferried onto a bus to be taken to Tyrone County Hospital.
According to the police spokesman, the video contains some "traumatic" viewing.
"Both of these amateur video tapes, together with other recordings, provide us with vital evidence of the aftermath of the explosion.
"They help us position people who witnessed the scene and also show the damage caused in the moments after the event."
The spokesman added that if the owner requested a copy of the tape, they would be provided with one, but police would hold on to the original.
The tape in question is just one of a number of recorded items being investigated by the 30-strong team of detectives probing the bombing.
Film taken from closed circuit security cameras in and around the town as well as from locations along the route the bombers are thought to have taken are also being scanned for possible traces of the attackers' movements.
The RUC spokesperson said police were in possession of a number of video recordings, together with "quite a haul" of tapes taken from security video cameras within the area.
"Some of these show traffic movements and people walking along the street prior to the explosion.
"These were seized by police in the normal course of their enquiries and now form part of their routine investigation into the crime.
"But amateur recordings such as the one shown on television bring it home to people the full horror of what happened that day" he added.
The chairman of the Omagh Self Help Group said he felt the tape's contents should be handled sensitively, if it was ever released.
Michael Gallagher said scenes from the first video was still "deeply disturbing" to a lot of people, and he felt further footage could have a similar effect on many of those bereaved and injured.
"Although this tape would bring it all back to the people who were there, I feel the world has the right to see what happened. And although it would be hurtful to us who have suffered as a result of the tragedy, I think it exposes these people for what they have done.
"I certainly wouldn't watch the video until someone else had seen its contents and told me what it contains" he added.
News of a second video recording has also heightened concerns among trauma experts, who fear fresh scenes of the tragedy could have a disturbing effect on victims and their families.
Just last week, Channel 4's 'Dispatches' programme contained scenes recorded moments after the explosion.
Prior to screening, victims and their families were contacted and warned of the possible traumatic effect the scenes may have.
Michael Duffy, co-ordinator of the trauma team voiced his concern over the possible effect the contents could have on those caught up in the blast.
"During our meetings with the self help group, many have voiced their concern at such footage.
"We understand the outside world needed to know the devastation and level of horror and distress caused.
"However, the effect it may have on the victims must be paramount to making use of such footage.
"The key issue is into whose hands this tape may fall and that would concern me as some news agencies are more sensitive than others where issues like this are concerned" he added.
BY: JOHN McCUSKER
POLICE have this week confirmed they are in possession of a second amateur video tape depicting horrific scenes recorded minutes after a 300lb bomb ripped through the Market Street area of Omagh last August.
The emergence of the tape has led to fears it may cause further anguish for victims and their families, if ever shown on television.
The original film, together with a copy of the recording, were seized by RUC detectives days after the August 15 blast.
The eight and a half minute video, shot from near the Kozy Corner, is believed to contain graphic scenes of the carnage which followed the explosion.
Its contents are thought to be similar to other footage screened worldwide in the aftermath of the atrocity.
Rescuers are seen clawing frantically among the rubble, while dozens of seriously injured are ferried onto a bus to be taken to Tyrone County Hospital.
According to the police spokesman, the video contains some "traumatic" viewing.
"Both of these amateur video tapes, together with other recordings, provide us with vital evidence of the aftermath of the explosion.
"They help us position people who witnessed the scene and also show the damage caused in the moments after the event."
The spokesman added that if the owner requested a copy of the tape, they would be provided with one, but police would hold on to the original.
The tape in question is just one of a number of recorded items being investigated by the 30-strong team of detectives probing the bombing.
Film taken from closed circuit security cameras in and around the town as well as from locations along the route the bombers are thought to have taken are also being scanned for possible traces of the attackers' movements.
The RUC spokesperson said police were in possession of a number of video recordings, together with "quite a haul" of tapes taken from security video cameras within the area.
"Some of these show traffic movements and people walking along the street prior to the explosion.
"These were seized by police in the normal course of their enquiries and now form part of their routine investigation into the crime.
"But amateur recordings such as the one shown on television bring it home to people the full horror of what happened that day" he added.
The chairman of the Omagh Self Help Group said he felt the tape's contents should be handled sensitively, if it was ever released.
Michael Gallagher said scenes from the first video was still "deeply disturbing" to a lot of people, and he felt further footage could have a similar effect on many of those bereaved and injured.
"Although this tape would bring it all back to the people who were there, I feel the world has the right to see what happened. And although it would be hurtful to us who have suffered as a result of the tragedy, I think it exposes these people for what they have done.
"I certainly wouldn't watch the video until someone else had seen its contents and told me what it contains" he added.
News of a second video recording has also heightened concerns among trauma experts, who fear fresh scenes of the tragedy could have a disturbing effect on victims and their families.
Just last week, Channel 4's 'Dispatches' programme contained scenes recorded moments after the explosion.
Prior to screening, victims and their families were contacted and warned of the possible traumatic effect the scenes may have.
Michael Duffy, co-ordinator of the trauma team voiced his concern over the possible effect the contents could have on those caught up in the blast.
"During our meetings with the self help group, many have voiced their concern at such footage.
"We understand the outside world needed to know the devastation and level of horror and distress caused.
"However, the effect it may have on the victims must be paramount to making use of such footage.
"The key issue is into whose hands this tape may fall and that would concern me as some news agencies are more sensitive than others where issues like this are concerned" he added.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1215
Published Date: 11-Feb-99
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