The police say they have de-arrested the owner of the Greenvale Hotel, Michael McElhatton, who they said they arrested earlier today (Wednesday) on suspicion of possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply.
Lauren Bullock, 17, Morgan Barnard, 17, and Connor Currie, 16, died after a crush outside the hotel on Sunday.
In a statement, Michael McElhatton, 52, said: “I have nothing whatsoever to do with drugs.”
On Tuesday he was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter along with a man, 40.
The PSNI said the de-arrest “follows fast track forensic examination of a suspicious package consisting of a white powder substance and tin foil, found during a search of a house in Moneymore”.
Police said the 52-year-old arrested on suspicion of manslaughter has been released on police bail, to return for further questioning at a future date.
Tonight (Wednesday) police released a further statement:
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton said: “Further to our statement on the arrest earlier today of a male in connection with a Class A drug we would like to add the following clarification.
“As a consequence of the arrest of a person on suspicion of manslaughter a search was carried out at the home of the suspect. The search discovered a medium size clear polythene bag containing an amount of a white powdery substance and pieces of tin foil.
“This discovery led to the suspicion that the substance was a Class A drug. In line with normal procedure the suspect was arrested on suspicion of possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply. This arrest was communicated to the media in line with procedure.
“Given the gravity of the investigation the examination of the bag was carried out urgently. Once opened by the Forensic Science Agency for Northern Ireland the substance inside the bag was ascertained to be an innocent substance. The suspect was then de-arrested in respect of the drugs offence and a communication made to the media.
“The PSNI would like to make it clear that there is no suspicion of any crime relating to misuse of drugs on behalf of the person who still remains in custody.
“The actions taken were in good faith and in line with procedure. We will continue to carry out a rigorous investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of these three young people and we are deeply grateful for the huge assistance we are receiving from the community and we hope that people will continue to come forward and assist us with this enquiry.”
I think this is disgraceful that the police didn’t do there job to good to put out mickeys name as till do with drugs this is a disgrace and god love mickey as how would he be feeling good after this prayers are with you mickey