Detectives 'know who bombed Omagh'

The identity of the bombers who killed 29 people and injured dozens more in the worst single act of violence in Northern Ireland's Troubles is known by police, the Omagh inquest heard yesterday.

The identity of the bombers who killed 29 people and injured dozens more in the worst single act of violence in Northern Ireland's Troubles is known by police, the Omagh inquest heard yesterday.

The Royal Ulster Constabulary's acting assistant chief constable, Eric Anderson, said that the investigation to trace the Real IRA team which bombed Omagh in August 1998 was massive. More than 6,500 people had been interviewed.

In all, 81 arrests had been made - 58 by the Irish police and 23 by the RUC - in an effort to apprehend the bombers and "the godfathers who sent them out", he told the Coroner, John Leckey.

Asked if he was aware of who made up the entire team involved, Mr Anderson replied: "There is good background knowledge as a result of the investigation, that is correct."

But despite the scale of the inquiry and the extent of public support for the police's effort, only one person has so far been charged over the bombing. Colm Murphy, is awaiting trial in the Irish Republic, charged with conspiracy to cause explosions.

After a month of hearings, the coroner is due to deliver his findings on 28 of the victims later today. The final inquest - into the death of James Victory Barker, 12 - will take place on Thursday.