Chief Constable apologises to families of Cookstown Hotel tragedy

Q Radio news

The outgoing PSNI Chief Constable has apologised for describing the response to the Greenvale Hotel tragedy as "brave".

George Hamilton met the family of the late 17-year-old Morgan Barnard at their request earlier. 

Morgan was crushed in the tragedy at the hotel in Cookstown on St.Patricks day.

Lauren Bullock, who was also 17, and 16 year old Connor Currie were also killed in the crush. 

It emerged officers 'held back' when first arriving at the scene to wait for back up, but the PSNI Chief said his officers were 'brave' at a policing board meeting earlier this year. 

Morgan's parents described the comments as 'hurtful'.

The police ombudsman is investigating the initial response. 

George Hamilton, who's set to retire next month, said: “This afternoon I met with James and Maria, the parents of Morgan Barnard, to offer my sincere condolences on the loss of their son who tragically died at the Greenvale Hotel in Cookstown on St Patrick’s Day.  

“I expressed my deep regret if any comment that I have made in relation to the incident has caused the family any further distress.  That was never my intention and I have apologised.   No public commentary by me or any police officer will detract from the independent investigation being conducted into the initial PSNI response by the Police Ombudsman’s office.

“The investigation into the circumstances that led to the deaths of Morgan Barnard, Lauren Bullock and Connor Currie continues and we are very grateful to all the witnesses who have come forward with information.”