Ombudsman investigation launched into police response to Greenvale tragedy

An Ombudsman investigation has been launched into the initial police response over the fatal Greenvale tragedy.

3 teenagers died in a suspected crushing incident outside the hotel on St Patrick's Day.

Now, the actions of the first officers at the scene will be investigated.

Co Tyrone schoolchildren Morgan Barnard, 17, Lauren Bullock, 17, and Connor Currie, 16, died following a crush near the entrance to the Greenvale Hotel in Cookstown on March 17, St Patrick's Day.

Ombudsman Dr Michael Maguire will now examine how police responded when the first emergency call was made at around 9.30pm.

They arrived at the grounds - but didn't move in to take action until an ambulance arrived.

The Chief Constable has therefore decided that the response should be subject to independent scrutiny and it is in the public interest to refer the circumstances and the nature of the actions of the first officers arriving at the scene to the Police Ombudsman.

Statement from Deputy Chief Constable Stephen Martin:

"The ongoing investigation into the tragic events at the Greenvale Hotel is active and wide ranging. As part of that investigation, it is right and proper that the actions of all those involved are considered.

"Part of the investigation has included a review of the initial police response.

"The first police officers arrived at the hotel grounds shortly after receiving the 999 report. Following their initial assessment they made attempts to establish more detail and information about what was happening and subsequently withdrew to await further police support. When the first ambulance arrived police moved forward in support of them.

"The timing and nature of police actions during this period require further investigation to fully establish the facts. The Chief Constable has therefore decided that the initial police response should be subject to independent scrutiny and it is in the public interest to refer the circumstances and the nature of the actions of the first officers arriving at the scene to the Police Ombudsman.

"The families have been informed of the referral.

"The confidence of the families and the confidence of the communities we serve are at the forefront of our minds in our decision to refer this matter to the Police Ombudsman. We will work with the Ombudsman to support whatever action he undertakes and would ask that people do not speculate or prejudge the outcome of the Ombudsman’s investigation."