The PSNI have notified the Police Ombudsman regarding the handling of the disappearance of 15-year-old Matthew McCallan whose body was found yesterday in Fintona after the teenager went missing in the early hours of Sunday.

Detectives in the Criminal Investigation Department are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Matthew, from the Dungannon area.

His body was discovered in the Tattyreagh Road area of Fintona shortly before noon yesterday, Monday, December 5.

Detective Superintendent Gareth Talbot said: “Our thoughts remain with Matthew’s devastated family. The pain they are experiencing is difficult to comprehend.

"A number of specially-trained officers are providing support to them at this tragic time."

Speaking about concerns raised by Matthew's family regarding the PSNI's initital response, Superintendent Talbot said: "We are aware of the family’s concerns regarding the initial police response in the search for Matthew, and the family have agreed to meet two senior officers to discuss [these].

“Due to the family’s concerns, we have decided at an early stage to make a notification to the Office of the Police Ombudsman of Northern Ireland, for their assessment."

The PSNI also addressed social media speculation as to where Matthew was last seen.

Superintendent Talbot said: “Enquiries have now ruled out speculation which circulated on social media that Matthew was seen getting into a silver car.

"We have now identified and spoken to the occupants of the car, and eliminated them from our enquiries.

“Detectives will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Matthew’s death, which is being treated as unexplained, and a post-mortem is due to take place today [Tuesday].

“We are keeping an open mind at this stage and would appeal for anyone with information to come forward.

"Matthew was last seen at approximately 1.20am in the Ecclesville Centre, Fintona, and we are keen to establish his movements after this time."

Detailing key facts known to the PSNI, Inspector Talbot said: "Police received a report of a missing person shortly after 3.30am on Sunday, December 4, when Matthew did not arrive home after attending an event in Fintona on Saturday night.

"Sadly, Matthew was discovered in a ditch in the laneway of a property approximately two miles away from the social event at around 11.45am yesterday [Monday].

“I would appeal to anyone who saw Matthew, or anyone who has CCTV or dashcam footage, to contact police at 101, quoting 319 of 04/12/22.”