07/12/2022

Police Ombudsman Contacted Over Teens Death

The PSNI has contacted the Police Ombudsman to carry out an investigation over the death of Matthew McCallan.

The 15-year-olds body was discovered in the Tattyreagh Road area of Fintona at around noon on Monday, 05 December.

He was reported missing in the early hours of Sunday after going to an event.

In a post on Facebook his mother said: "My son is dead because the Police Service of Northern Ireland did nothing to help in the first ten to twelve hours of going missing.

"I told them it was totally out of character, yet no one listened and my friends and the Fintona community gathered the necessary cctv evidence."

Police said they were aware of the family’s concerns and they have agreed to meet with senior officers.

Detective Superintendent Gareth Talbot added: "Our thoughts remain with Matthew's devastated family. The pain they are experiencing is difficult to comprehend. A number of specially trained officers are providing support to them at this tragic time.

"Due to the family's concerns we have decided at an early stage to make a notification to the Office of the Police Ombudsman of Northern Ireland, for their assessment.

"Detectives will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Matthew’s death, which is being treated as unexplained and a post mortem is due to take place today.

"We are keeping an open mind at this stage and would appeal for anyone with information to come forward. Matthew was last seen at approximately 1.20am in the Ecclesville Centre, Fintona, and we are keen to establish his movements after this time."

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