BY MICHAEL BRESLIN

Last weeks burial mix up involving the two female victims of a road traffic collision in which four young people were killed is to be investigated by the presiding judge of the coroners office.

In a statement issued yesterday (Monday), the Northern Ireland Court Service confirmed that this would be indertaken by the Presiding Judge for the Coroners Service, Mr Justice Weir.

'Until this has been concluded, it would not be appropriate to comment further", the statement concluded, referring to the tragic loss of life as, 'these sad cases'.

COFFIN

Sixteen-year-old Anita Swift, from Newtownbutler was buried on Tuesday of last week, but as her coffin was carried out of St Mary's Church for burial, Police officers, acting for the Coroner, intervened. It appears they wanted conformation of identification from the Swift family. Burial was then allowed, following a short delay during which the Coroner's office spoke to the Swift family.

However, the next day, the Coroner's Officer refused to release the body of Anita's best friend, 17-year old Danica O'Rourke, Lisnaskea and, later that night, exhumed the remains of Anita. DNA tests revealed that these were Danica.

Anita's body was then buried at 6.30 on Thursday morning, with only family members and the Parish Priest, Fr Michael King present. Danica's remains were then removed to Lisnaskea and her funeral took place in Holy Cross Church on Friday afternoon.

An earlier statement from the Coroner's Office said there had been 'an initial physical misidentification concerning the female fatalities': "The question of identity was resolved following further forensic examinations. The (Swift and O'Rourke) families are fully aware of the situation and they have asked that their privacy be respected.

"The thoughts of all those who have been involved with this tragic accident go out to the two grieving families at this difficult time'.