PSNI detectives investigating the deaths of three teenagers at a Co Tyrone disco have arrested two men on suspicion of manslaughter.
The men, aged 40 and 52, were arrested by police earlier today and are currently in custody.
In a statement, the PSNI said: "Detectives from PSNI Major Investigation Team investigating the deaths of three teenagers at the Greenvale Hotel in Cookstown on Saint Patrick’s Day have arrested two men aged 52 and 40 earlier today on suspicion of manslaughter. They are currently in custody."
Lauren Bullock, 17, Connor Currie, 16, and Morgan Barnard, 17, all from Co Tyrone, died in the incident outside the Greenvale Hotel in Cookstown on St Patrick's night.
In an update on the police investigation this afternoon, PSNI Detective Chief Superintendent Raymond Murray said it was fortunate more were not killed in the crush at the venue.
“We could absolutely have been looking at more,” he said.
Books of condolence have opened across Northern Ireland in memory of the three teenagers who died.
Mr Murray said CCTV footage indicated that between 350 to 400 people had either been in the queue or the nearby area when the incident unfolded.
Mr Murray urged more young people to come forward, insisting that in the circumstances police were not concerned whether they were underage and attempting to enter a licensed premises.
He said he had received the same assurance from Northern Ireland’s Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Herron.
“I want to thank everyone who has spoken with us so far, however there is still a significant number of people who were there that night, in the queue, and I need them to come forward to speak to police so we can understand what happened,” said Mr Murray.
“I want to reassure you, the focus of our investigation is not the age of people who were at the event – it is about trying to find answers for the families of the three teenagers who tragically died – we need to know what you saw so the heartbroken families of Connor, Lauren and Morgan know what happened to their children.
“I would urge parents to talk with your children, support them and encourage them to come forward and tell their story to police so we can get an accurate picture of events that night.
“Talk to your children, reassure them – we know they may be scared – but again I can assure you we are only interested in establishing what happened.
“Their account of events on Sunday night could be crucial to establishing how Connor, Lauren and Morgan died.”
PA & Digital Desk
