Omagh bomb inquiry support group set up to help police officers

A NEW group representing police officers due to take part in the upcoming Omagh Bomb public inquiry has called for efforts to ensure that their ‘personal security’ is not compromised.

The Omagh Bomb Inquiry Police Support Group (Omagh PSG) has been formed by individuals who were directly engaged within a policing context in the events of the bomb, which happened 25 years ago.

The group is chaired by retired police chief James Baxter, who was the local RUC District Commander on the day of the atrocity. In an interview with the UlsterHerald marking the 25th anniversary of the bomb in August, he said that ‘not a day’ goes by without him thinking about the events of August 15, 1998.

Richard Scott, a spokesperson for the group, said that the individuals involved fully support the inquiry, but they are also concerned about the impact that it may have on the welfare of former and currently serving police officers and support staff.

Mr Scott said they now wanted to open a line of communication with colleagues to keep them informed of developments surrounding the establishment of the inquiry and its progress.

“We also want to support those required to provide evidence to be treated with respect and ensure their personal security is not compromised,” he added.

The former policeman, who was on the scene of the bombing within minutes and was later diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, said ‘adequate and secure’ mental health services needed to be provided for the potential impact on colleagues leading up to, during and after the inquiry.

Mr Scott also said issues relating to the health and wellbeing of retired and serving police officers and civilian support staff, who may or may not be called to give evidence, needed to be taken into account.

He has invited colleagues to contact the Omagh PSG to register their interest.

The new group is based at MAPS on Market Street in Omagh.

Respected former Scottish High Court judge and prosecutor, the Rt Hon Lord Turnbull, has been appointed to chair the independent statutory inquiry into the preventability of the Omagh bombing.