The PSNI chief constable has apologised to the family of Morgan Barnard – one of the teenagers killed in the St Patrick’s night crush at the Greenvale Hotel in Cookstown.
The apology follows remarks George Hamilton made, describing the first police responders to the venue as ‘brave.’
The Chief Constable met today with James and Maria, the parents of Morgan, to offer his sincere condolences on the loss of their son.
He also apologised for the comments made.
“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,” he said in a statement.
He has also thanked those witnesses who have come forward.
“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,” he added.