Omagh witnesses are investigated

Twenty-nine people died in the Omagh bombing

The Police Ombudsman has launched an inquiry into the conduct of two key Crown witnesses in the Omagh bomb case.

Scenes of Crime officer Fiona Cooper and Det Ch Insp Philip Marshall gave evidence at the trial of Sean Hoey, the man accused of the bombing.

During the trial both admitted changing their statements on how some evidence was gathered.

Mr Hoey, 37, of Jonesborough, County Armagh, denies 56 charges, including the 29 murders in Omagh in August 1998.

Forensic evidence is a vital part of the case against him.

The prosecution claims that the south Armagh man made the bomb timers used in Omagh and in a series of other attacks.

Strengthen

During cross-examination at Belfast Crown Court, Mr Marshall and Ms Cooper admitted they had "beefed up" their original statements to suggest that specialist forensic precautions had been taken at an explosives find, when in fact, they had not.

The defence alleged this was done to strengthen the case against Mr Hoey.

It was also revealed that the original statements made by the witnesses had been lost.

At one point the defence barrister, Orlando Pownall QC, asked for their evidence to be excluded saying "their testimony is dishonest".

The prosecution lawyer, Gordon Kerr QC, told trial judge Mr Justice Weir that he should treat their evidence "with caution".

The judge strongly criticised the conduct of the two witnesses and called for an investigation into why some statements were altered, and the originals lost.

BBC Newsline has learned that Nuala O'Loan, the Police Ombudsman, has now launched a formal investigation.

Her investigators are examining the transcripts of the evidence given by the witnesses and have also requested other relevant documents.

The judge has taken the unusual step of ruling that the investigation into the conduct of witnesses can take place while the trial continues.

The ombudsman may request to speak to Mr Justice Weir about his concerns.

The police said they were co-operating fully with her investigation.