Top police officer from Cumbria is appointed to investigate probe into PSNI handling of Bobby Storey’s funeral

A senior officer from Cumbria Constabulary has been appointed to oversee an investigation by into PSNI handling of potential breaches of coronavirus regulations at the funeral of Bobby Storey.
Thousands of people turned out for the funeral of the IRA veteran Bobby Storey in west Belfast on June 30 despite restrictions on the numbers that can attend outdoor gatherings. 
PPhoto Pacemaker PressThousands of people turned out for the funeral of the IRA veteran Bobby Storey in west Belfast on June 30 despite restrictions on the numbers that can attend outdoor gatherings. 
PPhoto Pacemaker Press
Thousands of people turned out for the funeral of the IRA veteran Bobby Storey in west Belfast on June 30 despite restrictions on the numbers that can attend outdoor gatherings. PPhoto Pacemaker Press

Thousands of people turned out for the funeral of the IRA veteran in west Belfast on June 30 despite restrictions on the numbers that can attend outdoor gatherings.

Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Finance Minister Conor Murphy have been criticised for attending.

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Last week, PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne said he had requested an external senior officer to oversee and direct the police investigation.

Martin Hewitt, chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, has now nominated Cumbria Deputy Chief Constable Mark Webster for the task. The investigation will also review events leading up to the date of the funeral.

Meanwhile, the police ombudsman is considering a complaint from a member of the public regarding police action leading up to the funeral. The PSNI said: “Until a conclusion is reached on both matters, the Police Service of Northern Ireland will be making no further comment.”

MLAs passed a motion last week urging Ms O’Neill to apologise over the funeral.

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And councillors in Belfast have backed an independent investigation into how Roselawn cemetery was closed for Mr Storey’s cremation.

Ulster Unionist Party Alderman Sonia Copeland welcomed the cross-party decision, and said it needed to be “allowed to proceed in order to establish the full facts”.

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