POLICE IN NORTHERN Ireland have renewed their appeal for information on the fourth anniversary of the murder in Omagh of Constable Ronan Kerr.

The 25-year-old died after a bomb exploded under his car as he left his apartment in Highfield Close at 3.45pm on Saturday, 2 April, 2011 to go to work in Enniskillen.

The officer now leading the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Una Jennings from the Serious Crime Branch, said that although her officers are following a number of ongoing lines of inquiry and developing fresh ones, the key to success lies with local people.

Since the investigation into Kerr’s murder and a series of linked incidents began, the inquiry has generated a substantial amount of investigative activity:

• 8,203 items have been seized
• 15,539 individuals have featured in the investigation
• 12,754 investigative actions have been generated
• 122 searches of houses, vehicles and land have been conducted
• 18 arrests have been made and one person has been jailed for offences linked to the overall investigation.

Jennings said: “Although a significant amount of progress has been made, the key to putting people before a court charged with Ronan’s murder lies with local communities in Omagh and east Tyrone.

From the early days of the investigation, we said this was going to be a long-term inquiry with Ronan’s murder at its core, but incorporating several linked incidents including attempts to murder other police officers, a bomb attack, arms finds and armed robberies. It has proved to be an extremely large investigation but one which still has the potential to be concluded by charging suspects.

“We have made progress and we believe there is potential to bring other individuals before the courts. But we are realistic and we recognise the considerable challenges remaining in this lengthy and complicated investigation.

Ronan’s murder is as devastating for his family today as it was four years ago. Their pain remains so devastating that they feel unable to talk publically about their plight on the fourth anniversary.

Ronan's mother, Nuala PA Archive / Press Association Images PA Archive / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

“I would ask those people who know who was involved in the events and arrangements surrounding Ronan’s murder to come forward. If you can assist in any way by providing information, please do so. It is the right thing to do,” Jennings stated.

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives in Serious Crime Branch at the Maydown police complex on the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, people can provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Read: PSNI close to Ronan Kerr charges as man sentenced over guns and explosive find

Read: Ronan Kerr murder probe: Man arrested as further searches carried out