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Omagh Bombing Inquiry: Gardaí and RUC had 'very close' link, says detective

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www.bbc.co.uk

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Security forces examine the scene of the Omagh bombing. There is rubble across the road and people wearing hard hats searching through.

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Omagh Bombing Inquiry Hears of 'Very Close' Link Between Gardaí and RUC

Overview

The inquiry into the 1998 Omagh bombing has heard testimony regarding the 'very close' working relationship and free flow of information between An Garda Síochána and the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC). Detective Superintendent Casserly detailed the extensive Irish police investigation following the atrocity, which claimed 29 lives. The inquiry also heard evidence from fingerprint expert Kevin Kershaw regarding debris and items tested for fingerprints, alongside discussions on inter-force liaison.

Key points

  • An inquiry into the August 1998 Omagh bombing heard that Gardaí and the RUC maintained a 'very close' working relationship with direct communication.
  • Detective Superintendent Casserly stated that the response from the Irish police was immediate and generated a massive amount of investigative material over decades.
  • The Gardaí investigation involved 1,077 lines of inquiry, 480 statements, 92 recorded searches, and 99 arrests.
  • Fingerprint expert Kevin Kershaw told the inquiry about evidence gathering, noting that a 2001 report showed some debris and vehicle parts were not tested for fingerprints.
  • Out of items tested, only 11 sets of fingerprints were retained on the national database for future checking due to insufficient ridge detail on many prints.
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