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31/05/2019
PSNI Apologise To Greenvale Victim's Parents
PSNI Chief Constable George Hamilton has apologised to the family of Morgan Barnard, a 17-year-old who died in the Greenvale Hotel tragedy in Cookstown.
Three teenagers, including Lauren Bullock (17) and Conor Currie (16) died in a crush outside the venue while waiting to gain entry to a St. Patrick's Day party on Sunday 17 March.
Mr Hamilton met with the family on Thursday 30 May to apologise for any distress caused by comments made in the days following the tragedy.
He later said in a statement: "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."
The Ombudsman launched an investigation following police referral in the wake of the tragedy after it emerged that officers arrived at the Greenvale Hotel shortly after the first emergency call was made, but withdrew to await further support.
(JG/CM)
Three teenagers, including Lauren Bullock (17) and Conor Currie (16) died in a crush outside the venue while waiting to gain entry to a St. Patrick's Day party on Sunday 17 March.
Mr Hamilton met with the family on Thursday 30 May to apologise for any distress caused by comments made in the days following the tragedy.
He later said in a statement: "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."
The Ombudsman launched an investigation following police referral in the wake of the tragedy after it emerged that officers arrived at the Greenvale Hotel shortly after the first emergency call was made, but withdrew to await further support.
(JG/CM)
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