Omagh probe seeks Sinn Fein help

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/6344219.stm

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The officer leading the 1998 Omagh bomb investigation is to ask Sinn Fein to help catch those responsible for the Real IRA attack which killed 29 people.

Chief Superintendent Norman Baxter is expected to write to Sinn Fein representatives in south Armagh and Dundalk to formally request their help.

Detectives believe its decision to back policing may be a turning point.

Mr Baxter wants a public declaration that anyone with information should speak to his inquiry team.

Only one man has so far been charged with the murders.

Sean Hoey, 37, of Jonesborough in south Armagh, is currently awaiting a judge's verdict after standing trial in Belfast.

A Police Service of Northern Ireland spokesman confirmed the move may be imminent.

He said: "In light of the new attitude towards policing in a substantial part of the republican community, the senior investigating officer in the Omagh bomb investigation is examining the possibility of requesting the assistance of public representatives in the south Armagh and Dundalk areas to encourage people to come forward with information."

The 1998 Real IRA bomb killed 29 people, including a woman pregnant with twins.