The scene at the Greevnale Hotel in Cookstown where three dies died during crush at hotel party on St Patrick’s night

FIVE police officers who attended a crush incident at a St Patrick’s night disco in which three teenagers lost their lives may face possible misconduct charges.

The development has been confirmed this afternoon by the PSNI.

The crush at the Greenvale Hotel in Cookstown on St Patrick’s night, Sunday, March 17, led to the deaths of 17-year-olds Lauren Bullock and Morgan Barnard and Connor Currie, aged 16.

The 52-year-old hotel owner Michael McElhatton and a 40-year-old door steward were later arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.

In a statement: Deputy Chief Constable Stephen Martin said: “PSNI can confirm that it has been informed by the Office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland, that it is considering whether five police officers who were involved in the initial police response to the dreadful events at the Greenvale Hotel in Cookstown on 17 March this year, have committed the offence of Misconduct in Public Office.

“We have full confidence in the Office of the Police Ombudsman to complete a thorough and independent investigation and we will co-operate fully throughout it.

“Until this is complete it would be inappropriate to comment further.

Lauren Bullock (17) tragically lost her life during crush outside hotel on St Patrick’s night

“Our thoughts remain with the families of Morgan Barnard, Connor Currie and Lauren Bullock who tragically died at the event, and the police investigation into the circumstances surrounding their deaths continues.”

It is understood that none of officers under inquiry by the Police Ombudsman’s Office  have been suspended.

However, their status is kept under constant review as the Ombudsman’s inquiry progresses.