NI police to quiz 100 more in £22m gang hunt

Detectives investigating the £22 million Northern Bank robbery plan to interview another 100 people as part of their efforts …

Detectives investigating the £22 million Northern Bank robbery plan to interview another 100 people as part of their efforts to catch the gang responsible, it emerged tonight.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland released details of the massive inquiry into the heist which took place at the bank headquarters in Belfast on December 20.

A team of 45 detectives has examined hundreds of hours of CCTV coverage taken from businesses throughout Northern Ireland.

A total of 560 exhibits have been seized during the probe.

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A police spokeswoman said a team of detectives would conclude their searches of homes and commercial properties within the next few days.

"Detectives have conducted over 100 interviews to date with a further 100 to go. This number increases daily as new lines of inquiry develop," she added.

"Information generated is then co-ordinated by a team charged with developing and prioritising these new lines of inquiry."

The spokeswoman said the light-coloured van used to transport the cash remained a key area of focus of one specialised team, while another is trying to determine exactly where a female hostage taken at the time of the robbery was held.

Police have also set up a Bank Liaison Unit to deal with activities in and around the bank.

Det Supt Andy Sproule, who is leading the investigation, said tonight: "Co-ordinating such a large amount of witnesses, searches and CCTV material is a massive logistical task in itself.

"This is a very large inquiry, covering four crime scenes, and it will continue to grow as we get closer to establishing the facts and bringing those responsible to justice," he added.

PA