The deputy chief constable of Merseyside may be poised to take over a new investigation into the Omagh bomb, it emerged tonight.
It is understood Deputy Chief Constable Mike Tonge could arrive in Northern Ireland as early as next week to take up the post.
Sources have indicated Mr Tonge is the preferred candidate of the Policing Board as they seek an officer to oversee a new investigation into the bombing which killed 29 people.
However, Merseyside police tonight insisted no appointment has yet been made.
Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) involved in the selection process, it is believed Mr Tonge must to finalise some matters in Merseyside before taking the job.
A spokeswoman for the Police board, which is made up of unionist, nationalist and independent members, confirmed moves to bring in the senior officer were under way.
"A proposal on the appointment has been put to members of the policing board. This matter is being dealt with by HMIC and has not, as yet, been finalised," she said.
The police board unanimously agreed to bring in either a deputy chief constable or an assistant chief constable from an outside force to monitor the Omagh bomb investigation after the Police Ombudsman Ms Nual O’Loan severely ctriticised the RUC inquiry. If Mr Tongue takes the new role in the Omagh inquiry he would answer directly to the Policing Board. Mr Brian McArthur, who headed the RUC investigation, retains operational command of the with a direct reporting line to the Chief Constable.
Another Merseyside detective, Det Philip Jones, has already been given equal status to Mr McArthur as part of moves to satisfy Mrs O'Loan's demands for an outside officer.
Mr Fred Cobain, an Ulster Unionist member of the 19-strong Policing Board, claimed Mr Tonge's appointment would be a major step forward. "If we've got Mr Tonge then I'm happy we are progressing," he said.
PA