SEVEN HELD OVER OMAGH BOMBING
Seven held over Omagh bombing
SEVEN people remained in custody last night (Wed), on both sides of the border as part of the ongoing investigation into the Real IRA bombing of Omagh in August.
A joint Garda/RUC operation swung into action in the early hours of Sunday morning when ten people were arrested, six in Dundalk and four in South Armagh.
Searches were carried out in Jonesborough and Silverbridge by the RUG who made four arrests, and were co-ordinated with a similar operation by the Gardai.
At one of the search locations in Jonesborough the RUC said its officers were confronted and attacked by up to a crowd of fifteen intoxicated and very aggressive people, some of whom had been at a house party nearby.
The spokesperson claimed that police were attacked with stones, beer glasses, cans and hurley sticks and four officers were slightly injured.
Meanwhile, on Monday two women were arrested in Dundalk- believed to be partners of two of the men arrested the previous day.
As of last night (Wed), a Garda spokesman said nine people in total had been arrested in the South and three now remain in custody. One of those still in custody must either be charged by morning, or released.
An RUC spokeswoman said the four people arrested on Sunday morning in South Armagh remain in custody.
Concern has been raised about the RUC handling of the Omagh bomb investigation following the arrests.
SDLP Newry and Armagh Assembly man, John Fee, appealed for caution, saying that previous bids to bring those behind the atrocity to justice failed.
"I am very concerned with the way the security forces are playing this, as if these people are tried and convicted, when in actual fact this is the third series of high profile arrests.
"On both occasions, everyone was released without charge and I am worried we are facing a similar scenario again.
"Virtually the whole country wants to see the Omagh bombers caught, but everything must be seen to be above board and completely beyond reproach in this investigation."
Responding, an RUC spokesperson said "all arrests must be justifiable in law and publicity is not one of our considerations.
"All right thinking people will want those responsible for the Omagh atrocity to be brought to justice. "
SEVEN people remained in custody last night (Wed), on both sides of the border as part of the ongoing investigation into the Real IRA bombing of Omagh in August.
A joint Garda/RUC operation swung into action in the early hours of Sunday morning when ten people were arrested, six in Dundalk and four in South Armagh.
Searches were carried out in Jonesborough and Silverbridge by the RUG who made four arrests, and were co-ordinated with a similar operation by the Gardai.
At one of the search locations in Jonesborough the RUC said its officers were confronted and attacked by up to a crowd of fifteen intoxicated and very aggressive people, some of whom had been at a house party nearby.
The spokesperson claimed that police were attacked with stones, beer glasses, cans and hurley sticks and four officers were slightly injured.
Meanwhile, on Monday two women were arrested in Dundalk- believed to be partners of two of the men arrested the previous day.
As of last night (Wed), a Garda spokesman said nine people in total had been arrested in the South and three now remain in custody. One of those still in custody must either be charged by morning, or released.
An RUC spokeswoman said the four people arrested on Sunday morning in South Armagh remain in custody.
Concern has been raised about the RUC handling of the Omagh bomb investigation following the arrests.
SDLP Newry and Armagh Assembly man, John Fee, appealed for caution, saying that previous bids to bring those behind the atrocity to justice failed.
"I am very concerned with the way the security forces are playing this, as if these people are tried and convicted, when in actual fact this is the third series of high profile arrests.
"On both occasions, everyone was released without charge and I am worried we are facing a similar scenario again.
"Virtually the whole country wants to see the Omagh bombers caught, but everything must be seen to be above board and completely beyond reproach in this investigation."
Responding, an RUC spokesperson said "all arrests must be justifiable in law and publicity is not one of our considerations.
"All right thinking people will want those responsible for the Omagh atrocity to be brought to justice. "
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1278
Published Date: 24-Jun-99
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