Omagh Fire Tragedy Inquest Begins

A shocking house fire that killed seven members of the same family is to be recalled tomorrow as around 30 witnesses are called to give evidence at the inquest.

Three days have been given over to the inquest into the deaths of Arthur McElhill, his partner Lorraine McGovern (29) and their children Caroline (13), Sean (seven), Bellina (four), Clodagh (19 months) and James, who was just nine months old.

The family died in the blaze at their Lammy Crescent home on November 13 2007.

A convicted sex offender deemed a "risk to older teenage girls" and with a history of mental health problems, 36-year-old McElhill is believed to have started the fire.

Coroner Suzanne Anderson will hold the inquest at Omagh courthouse and will hear from all those who played any part in the rescue or police operation following the tragedy.

Members of the extended McElhill and McGovern families are expected to give evidence, as well as anyone who had dealings with the victims in the days and weeks before the fatal blaze.

Each of the seven fatalities will be addressed separately before the coroner decides on the cause of death.

Death certificates will be issued when the proceedings have been completed.

An independent investigation has already been held into the failures of agencies involved in the care of the family.

It exposed "dangerous inconsistencies" in the management of social services staff and "poor professional standards".

Deficiencies in the communication between social services, the PSNI, probation and education services over McElhill's criminal offences were highlighted by review chairman, Henry Toner QC.

McElhill was first convicted of indecently assaulting a 17-year-old girl in March 1994.

He received a two-year jail term, which was suspended for three years. However, before the suspended sentence had expired McElhill sexually assaulted another 17-year-old in September 1996.

During the month before the fire, Caroline McElhill called the police about a row between her parents.

However, officers were told by Lorraine McGovern that the disagreement had been resolved and left without speaking to McElhill or the children.

See: Omagh Suspect Died In Blaze

(BMcC/KMcA)