Northern Ireland police Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan today had talks with legal advisers as he considered High Court action over the Omagh bomb inquiry.
Sources confirmed meetings at police headquarters in Belfast following the report by Police Ombudsman Mrs Nuala O'Loan who claimed his flawed judgment had significantly reduced the chances of apprehending the terrorists who murdered 29 people.
The chief constable will make his official response to the allegations later but will have ongoing talks with his legal department.
One source told said today: "The chief constable and other senior officers held various meetings to consider the way forward. This should be taken very seriously. We have got our legal department on this and will be bringing in counsel for advice".
Mrs O'Loan had claimed in her report that the Chief Constable was guilty of flawed leadership and poor judgment. She also accused the detectives who headed the investigation of failing the 29 victims and their families.
A senior source refused to rule out the chief constable suing Mrs O'Loan for libel: "The decision has not been taken yet as to what form of legal action will be taken. That is why we are bringing in very experienced and knowledgeable people.
A spokesman for the ombudsman said she would not comment on the issue today.
PA