Hotel deaths probe to look at behaviour of another two officers
A POLICE Ombudsman investigation into the Greenvale Hotel tragedy which saw three young people die has been extended to probe the actions of two more officers, according to reports.
Lauren Bullock (17), Connor Currie (16), and Morgan Barnard (17), all from nearby Dungannon, Co Tyrone, died after a crush outside the hotel on St Patrick’s Day.
An investigation was launched when the then Chief Constable Sir George Hamilton referred the PSNI to the Ombudsman after it emerged four officers left the scene without intervening. It emerged the officers did not return for 16 minutes. Those officers and a fifth, understood to be involved in call handling, are being investigated for possible misconduct in public office.
The Irish News said the probe has been extended to two more officers, who it’s believed were in the area on the night.
Morgan Barnard’s father James Bradley told the Irish News: “It’s now even more concerning that a further two officers are being questioned about their conduct on duty.
“I know these things take time, but it’s disappointing that it has taken over four months to even start questioning officers involved in the tragic events that happened on March 17.
“We as a family still live every day with the raw pain of losing Morgan and as I’ve said all along, all I want is the truth, accountability, and prevention.”
Solicitor Darragh Mackin, who represents Mr Bradley and Morgan’s mother Maria Barnard, said: “It is imperative that no stone is left unturned and that we get to the truth of what happened that night. It is vital that the family has access to the full facts and this information is provided in a timely fashion.”
The Police Ombudsman’s office has not commented on the development.
After the tragedy, hotel owner Michael McElhatton (52) and a 40-year-old man, understood to be a member of the door staff, were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. Both were later released on bail.