Retired Royal Ulster Constabulary officers who responded to the 1998 Omagh bombing have suspended their participation in the ongoing public inquiry. The Omagh Bombing Inquiry started in February 2024 and is assessing if UK authorities could have prevented the Real IRA attack that killed 31 people, including unborn twins, in Omagh town centre.

The officers, represented by the Omagh Police Support Group, state they face retraumatisation, psychological distress, uncertain legal protections, and emotional strain from revisiting the events. The group reports raising these issues with the inquiry, government departments, welfare organisations, and elected officials for three years without adequate response.

Some former officers who arrived first at the scene have already testified. More were scheduled to provide evidence on their experiences. The inquiry's next hearings are set for September.

The support group describes the pause as a step to protect the officers' wellbeing, not a full withdrawal. They demand clear independent legal protections, stable schedules, and defined witness protocols before resuming.

The group notes these measures match practices in other major UK inquiries and are needed for safe participation. The officers affirm their commitment to the process but prioritise mental health and family wellbeing.