Six people detained in connection with Omagh bombing
Monday, 22 February 1999
Six people are still being detained by police on both sides of the border, following this morning's arrests, as part of the continuing investigation into the Omagh bombing. Among the six is the chairman of the 32-County Sovereignty Movement, Francis Mackey. The group has described the arrest as a "diversion" from the political turmoil in which the Taoiseach finds himself. The 32 County Sovereignty Committee is the political group linked to the so-called Real IRA, which carried out the Omagh bombing.
Francie Mackey is the third man to be held by police in Northern Ireland in connection with the bombing. Detectives at Strand Road have already interviewed two other men, both from Cullyhanna, south Armagh, about the attack. Five people were arrested in Monaghan and Carrickmacross in the Republic at the weekend. The two men arrested in south Armagh at the weekend remain in custody in Derry. Under the Prevention of Terrorism Act they can be held without charge for up to seven days. The five arrested in Republic in an operation co-ordinated with the RUC arrests at the weekend were also still being questioned. So far nobody has been charged with the bombing.
In all seven people are still being detained on both sides of the border. One was released this afternoon. Police on both sides of the border have identified at least six men they believe may have been involved in the August 15 bombing, which killed 29 people and injured 350. More arrests are expected.
