Ombudsman's probe into Teebane massacre claims is yet to begin

by Gillian McDade

A probe by the Police Ombudsman's Office into claims that the Teebane massacre could have been prevented has yet to begin.

That’s because of cuts in funding.

Eight Protestant workmen were killed in January 1992 when an IRA detonated a roadside bomb.

In 2014, a businessman revealed he had warned the RUC of an imminent attack.

He lodged a complaint with the Ombudsman.

According to the Irish News, it has not yet been investigated because of financial restraints.

A spokesman for the Ombudsman told the Irish News the complaint could be investigated by the Historical Inquiries Unit should it ever be established.

“We have concluded that these allegations are ones which require a full investigation. However, we are seeking to address around 400 historic cases within the restraints of limited resources and are not currently in a position to begin that work,” he told the Irish News, in a statement.

Speaking to Q Radio earlier this year, the widow of Jimmy Caldwell who was killed in the atrocity, says the pain of not knowing is ever present.

Jean Caldwell was speaking as relatives marked 25 years since the bombing:

a @PONIPressOffice investigating claim by Tyrone businessman that police were informed in advance of IRA Teebane bomb pic.twitter.com/99oHdDjXF8

— ConflictNI (@ConflictNI) January 22, 2014

Jean Caldwell -