Police renew appeal for information over Omagh bomb

The senior detective in charge of the investigation into the Omagh bomb atrocity has reaffirmed his determination to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Detective Superintendent Norman Baxter was speaking on the eve of the fourth anniversary of the attack on 15 August 1998.

Det Supt Baxter also gave an undertaking to pursue every outstanding line of inquiry in the investigation to a final conclusion.

He said he shared the relatives’ frustration with the lack of progress in the case.

“Four years after the explosion that killed 29 men women and children, it must be very distressing to know that the murderers are still walking free," he said.

Mr Baxter pledged "to do everything in my power to bring them before the courts, or at least be in a position to assure the relatives and victims that a complete and thorough investigation has been carried out within the current criminal justice framework".

The investigators are working closely with the Merseyside officer drafted in to ‘quality assure’ the investigation, and there police are currently following a number of lines of inquiry.

Det Supt Baxter said that the key to solving the crime was information, and the Omagh bombers have relied on a network of supporters to provide transport, acquire equipment, provide safe houses and wash clothes to destroy evidence. He urged those people "to examine their consciences" and come forward.

“Someone out there must have the information that will help the police bring to justice the perpetrators of one of the worst atrocities ever committed in Northern Ireland. Community representatives should demonstrate public and moral responsibility and support the investigation by calling on anyone who has information to come forward either to the PSNI or the Garda Siochana," said Supt. Baxter.

“The police cannot resolve this inquiry without the full support of the entire community," he added.

Anyone with information about the Omagh bomb should contact the police in Omagh on 028 8224 6177 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

(GMcG)