Omagh Bomb Investigation Probed Again

The RUC and PSNI investigation into the IRA's Omagh bomb atrocity is to be the subject of a further review.

The police's handling of the case is being re-examined by the man who has already investigated Special Branch's role in the aftermath of the atrocity.

Sir Dan Crompton will deliver his interim verbal report to the NI Policing Board on Thursday, with a final written report due by the end of next month.

Mr Compton's earlier report - in 2002 - on the work of Special Branch structures and information-sharing followed strong criticism of ex-RUC Chief Constable Sir Ronnie and the initial Omagh investigation by then NI Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan.

The current review follows the court acquittal in December of south Armagh man Sean Hoey.

The judge was scathing about police evidence, saying they were guilty of a "deliberate and calculated deception".

Sir Dan is a former head of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary - the role now held by Sir Ronnie Flanagan - and the man at the centre of disquiet over the professionalism of the initial police investigation.

Now, working alongside Sir Dan are David Blakey, former head of West Mercia who was also a member of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, and Graham Shaw, a retired detective superintendent in West Yorkshire.

The three men have been meeting senior officers involved in the investigation as well as some relatives of the victims.

Michael Gallagher, whose son Aidan was among the 29 people murdered, said: "Sir Dan has already been in touch and he will see us to hear our real concerns about this case, especially the quality of evidence and quality of witnesses."

(BMcC)