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Omagh Bombing Inquiry hears police investigation did not follow guidelines
Overview
The inquiry into the 1998 Omagh bombing has heard from a senior police officer that investigations failed to follow standard guidelines and procedures, potentially leading to missed opportunities. The 1998 Real IRA bombing killed 29 people. Detective Chief Inspector Neil McGuinness told the inquiry that shortcomings in compliance with HOLMES and MIRSAP processes, alongside a lack of computer training within the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC), limited the investigation. The inquiry also heard evidence from journalist Greg Harkin regarding his 2001 article that triggered a Police Ombudsman's review.
Key points
- The Omagh bombing on 15 August 1998 killed 29 people and was carried out by the Real IRA.
- Det Ch Insp Neil McGuinness admitted that police investigations did not fully follow MIRSAP and HOLMES guidelines.
- McGuinness stated that shortcomings in data inputting and a lack of computer training may have resulted in missed lines of inquiry.
- The inquiry also heard testimony from journalist Greg Harkin about his 2001 article regarding a top police informant's warnings prior to the blast.
- Harkin defended his decision to publish without contacting police first, noting that then-RUC Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan called him the night before publication to urge him not to run the story.