Watchdog to examine PSNI response to Cookstown hotel tragedy

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The police ombudsman has been asked to investigate the PSNI's response to the Greenvale Hotel tragedy in Cookstown. 

Three teenagers died during a crushing incident at a disco on St.Patrick's day. 

It's now emerged the first police responders withdrew from the scene to await further support, before moving in again when the ambulance service arrived. 

Deputy Chief Constable Stephen Martin said: "The ongoing investigation into the tragic events at the Greenvale Hotel is active and wide ranging. As part of that investigation, it is right and proper that the actions of all those involved are considered.

"Part of the investigation has included a review of the initial police response.

 "The first police officers arrived at the hotel grounds shortly after receiving the 999 report. 

"Following their initial assessment they made attempts to establish more detail and information about what was happening and subsequently withdrew to await further police support. When the first ambulance arrived police moved forward in support of them."

He continued: "The timing and nature of police actions during this period require further investigation to fully establish the facts.

"The Chief Constable has therefore decided that the initial police response should be subject to independent scrutiny and it is in the public interest to refer the circumstances and the nature of the actions of the first officers arriving at the scene to the Police Ombudsman."

 The families have been informed of the referral.

 Police say the confidence of the families and the confidence of the communities is at the forefront of their minds.

DCC Martin also said "We will work with the Ombudsman to support whatever action he undertakes and would ask that people do not speculate or prejudge the outcome of the Ombudsman’s investigation."