Kerr Probe Seeks Omagh Marathon Videos

Detectives from the PSNI's Serious Crime Branch investigating the murder of Constable Ronan Kerr (pictured) in Omagh in April have issued an appeal for photographic material.

Police want anyone who took photos or videos in the area around the Highfield development while the Omagh Half Marathon was taking place to come forward.

Detectives are particularly interested in material that was taken between 1.15pm and 1.45pm that Saturday.

The officer leading the investigation, Detective Superintendent Raymond Murray, said: "As part of our initial appeal for information we issued a photograph that was taken that Saturday to show the indiscriminate nature of the device which had been placed under Ronan's car just yards away from the half marathon course.

"Now we are asking everyone with photos or video footage taken in the Highfield area during that half hour to help us. If you can give it to us, we will look at it and decide whether it is important to the investigation."

Police have also given an update on the scope and extent of the investigation so far and said that four people have been arrested (three men and one woman) and one man has been charged with possession of items likely to of use to terrorists and possession of firearms and explosives with intent.

They also said that more than 30 searches have been conducted of both areas and properties in Northern Ireland, the Irish republic and in Scotland.

The statement also said: "Tens of thousands of hours of CCTV material have been held and more than 4,000 items have been seized during searches.

"These items are now being examined in forensic laboratories," it said.

Also, it has emerged that PSNI detectives have visited 780 houses and completed 1,160 questionnaires of people living in these houses.

Detective Superintendent Murray said: "This is going to be a long and protracted investigation. But we have been encouraged by the co-operation, which we have received from virtually everyone with whom we have engaged and heartened by their willingness to provide whatever information they have.

"Our inquiries are widespread and wide-ranging and we are examining links to other attacks and serious crimes but it would not be appropriate at this time to go into further detail," he said and noted, anyone who thinks they may have relevant photographic material from the half marathon taken between 1.15-1.45pm in the Highfield area is asked to contact police at Omagh on 028 8225 6659.

(BMcC/GK)