British government set to announce decision on Omagh bomb inquiry

Police officers and firefighters inspect the damage caused by a bomb explosion in Market Street, Omagh (Paul McErlane/PA)

The British government is expected to announce on Thursday whether it will order a public inquiry into the 1998 Omagh bomb.

While the Northern Ireland Office has not yet confirmed the move, it is understood bereaved relatives have been advised that Britain's Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris is set to make a statement in the House of Commons.