Police response to fatal hotel ‘crush' to be investigated

The investigation into the deaths of three teenagers outside a St Patrick's day party at the Greenvale hotel in Northern Ireland has been expanded to include a review of the initial police response.

The chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the actions of officers had been referred to the police ombudsman.

Police arrived at the Greenvale hotel in Cookstown, County Tyrone, shortly after a 999 call was received on the evening of 17 March. Following an initial assessment officers withdrew to await support. As the first ambulances arrived police moved forward again to support paramedics.The PSNI has said officers will work with the ombudsman and support whatever action it undertakes.

The owner of the Greenvale hotel Michael McElhatton, 52, was arrested last week on suspicion of manslaughter alongside a second man, aged 40. He has since been released on police bail.

The funerals of Lauren Bullock, 17, Morgan Barnard, 17, and Connor Currie, 16, were held on Friday.

Detectives continue to interview the 400 young people they have identified, who had been queued outside the party that evening.

Owner of Greenvale hotel released on bail following St Patrick's Day deaths>>