BOMB VICTIM'S STOLEN CAR FOUND
Bomb Victim's stolen car found
BY: JOHN McCUSKER
Family thanks everyone who helped in search
A YOUNG victim of the Omagh bombing whose stolen car was found abandoned close to the Fermanagh border yesterday afternoon, said she is looking forward to having it returned.
21-year-old Diane McCann, from Cannonhill was left stranded after a thief made off with her new Vauxhall Corsa from outside a filling station on Omagh's Dromore Road late on Monday night.
But yesterday evening, the car was discovered in the village of Belcoo where it had apparently run out of petrol.
Diane told the 'Herald' she had been informed of the find when she returned from receiving physiotherapy treatment for her injuries.
The incident had cast a cloud over her tattle to regain independence following her injuries, but this week Diane was hoping to put the episode behind her.
The young shop assistant had just popped into the Classic Service Station on the Dromore Road to buy lozenges for her younger brother, Aaron when the thief struck.
At first she thought pranksters had driven the car around to the back of the garage.
But when she realised the car was gone she immediately phoned police. Both the RUC and Gardai were alerted to keep a lookout for the vehicle.
Meanwhile, Diane's father, Pio who presents a top country show on Highland Radio contacted numerous radio stations on both sides of the border in a bid to trace the car.
It was eventually discovered by police parked in a laneway close to the Post Office in Belcoo.
Yesterday evening the vehicle was taken to Enniskillen RUC Station for forensic examination.
Diane said police had contacted her mother by phone as soon as they had established it was definitely her car.
"My mother told me the news When I returned from receiving physio. I'll be glad to get the car back as it will restore my independence once again" she added.
A police spokesperson said the car had been discovered early yesterday afternoon and on initial examination it was believed no damage had been caused to the vehicle.
It was expected to be returned to its owner today (Thursday).
Just six months ago, Diane's spine was shattered when she was caught up in the Market Street blast.
Aid workers carried her from the scene on a metal shelf taken from one of the bombed shops and she later spent weeks recovering from her injuries at Belfast's City Hospital.
According to surgeons at the hospital, the quick-thinking actions of those who rushed to her help almost certainly prevented her from being paralysed.
Just before Christmas doctors gave her the go-ahead to return behind the wheel. But because of her painful injuries, Diane could only undertake short journeys.
"I use the car to get around to hospital appointments and I also go swimming three times a week as part of the treatment for my injuries.
"Although I was only without the car for two days, I was completely lost and felt my independence had been totally taken away again" she said.
Her father, Pio offered his thanks to everyone who had helped in the search for the vehicle.
"We had wonderful help from all sections of the media, from radio stations to all the various newspapers who ran the story. The police also did everything they could to help us.
"The car meant so much to Diane and we're all delighted to have it returned" he added.
Local Councillor, Johnny McLaughlin also strongly condemned the theft saying that the young girl had been through enough as a result of her injuries in the bombing.
He branded those responsible for taking the car as "scum" who showed no regard towards the difficulties experienced by victims of the bombing.
"Young Diane has been through enough during the past months and she certainly did not need this on top of her injuries" he added.
BY: JOHN McCUSKER
Family thanks everyone who helped in search
A YOUNG victim of the Omagh bombing whose stolen car was found abandoned close to the Fermanagh border yesterday afternoon, said she is looking forward to having it returned.
21-year-old Diane McCann, from Cannonhill was left stranded after a thief made off with her new Vauxhall Corsa from outside a filling station on Omagh's Dromore Road late on Monday night.
But yesterday evening, the car was discovered in the village of Belcoo where it had apparently run out of petrol.
Diane told the 'Herald' she had been informed of the find when she returned from receiving physiotherapy treatment for her injuries.
The incident had cast a cloud over her tattle to regain independence following her injuries, but this week Diane was hoping to put the episode behind her.
The young shop assistant had just popped into the Classic Service Station on the Dromore Road to buy lozenges for her younger brother, Aaron when the thief struck.
At first she thought pranksters had driven the car around to the back of the garage.
But when she realised the car was gone she immediately phoned police. Both the RUC and Gardai were alerted to keep a lookout for the vehicle.
Meanwhile, Diane's father, Pio who presents a top country show on Highland Radio contacted numerous radio stations on both sides of the border in a bid to trace the car.
It was eventually discovered by police parked in a laneway close to the Post Office in Belcoo.
Yesterday evening the vehicle was taken to Enniskillen RUC Station for forensic examination.
Diane said police had contacted her mother by phone as soon as they had established it was definitely her car.
"My mother told me the news When I returned from receiving physio. I'll be glad to get the car back as it will restore my independence once again" she added.
A police spokesperson said the car had been discovered early yesterday afternoon and on initial examination it was believed no damage had been caused to the vehicle.
It was expected to be returned to its owner today (Thursday).
Just six months ago, Diane's spine was shattered when she was caught up in the Market Street blast.
Aid workers carried her from the scene on a metal shelf taken from one of the bombed shops and she later spent weeks recovering from her injuries at Belfast's City Hospital.
According to surgeons at the hospital, the quick-thinking actions of those who rushed to her help almost certainly prevented her from being paralysed.
Just before Christmas doctors gave her the go-ahead to return behind the wheel. But because of her painful injuries, Diane could only undertake short journeys.
"I use the car to get around to hospital appointments and I also go swimming three times a week as part of the treatment for my injuries.
"Although I was only without the car for two days, I was completely lost and felt my independence had been totally taken away again" she said.
Her father, Pio offered his thanks to everyone who had helped in the search for the vehicle.
"We had wonderful help from all sections of the media, from radio stations to all the various newspapers who ran the story. The police also did everything they could to help us.
"The car meant so much to Diane and we're all delighted to have it returned" he added.
Local Councillor, Johnny McLaughlin also strongly condemned the theft saying that the young girl had been through enough as a result of her injuries in the bombing.
He branded those responsible for taking the car as "scum" who showed no regard towards the difficulties experienced by victims of the bombing.
"Young Diane has been through enough during the past months and she certainly did not need this on top of her injuries" he added.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1223
Published Date: 04-Mar-99
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