THE mother of tragic Tyrone teenager Matthew McCallan has hit out at the PSNI over their response after it was reported he had gone missing.
Frances McCallan spoke out hours after her son's body was found in a ditch on a laneway near Fintona in Co Tyrone on Monday.
His death has been described as "unexplained" by police.
A major search operation was launched for the Dungannon teenager after he was last seen at a country music event in the Ecclesville Centre, Fintona, at around 1.20am on Sunday.
He had been reported missing at around 3.30am on Sunday after failing to return home.
It is understood the teenager was attending the Jamboree Winter Wonderland country music festival.
A large volunteer search operation, which included members of Fintona Pearses GAA club, was launched after it emerged he was missing.
In a Facebook post Matthew's devastated mother Frances raised concerns about the PSNI response suggesting it did "nothing to help" in the first ten to twelve hours after he went missing.
The grieving mother added that "no one listened".
She also revealed that friends and members of the community in Fintona "gathered the necessary CCTV evidence".
Ms McCallan suggested there should be no repeat of her experience.
The PSNI said yesterday that the Police Ombudsman will assess the PSNI’s investigation into missing teenager.
Detective Superintendent Gareth 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.
“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.
Independent councillor Barry Monteith, who knows Matthew's parents, was involved in the search on Sunday and Monday.
"If the family have concerns about the response to me they are justifiable," he said.
"No doubt these will emerge in the fullness of time."
Ms McCallan received support from the mother of Noah Donohoe (14), who went missing during a bike trip from his home in south Belfast on June 21 2020.
His body was found in a north Belfast storm drain six days later .
Since his death his family has led a campaign to establish the circumstances of events leading up to his death.
Campaign supporters, known as Noah's Army, have also been vocal in highlighting public concern over the case.
Posting on Facebook Fiona Donohoe said: "When will we say enough is enough, our children matter.
"This child was only 15. Please stand up to #missing person fatigue, #justice for our young people.
"Sending love to this beautiful boy's family and friends.
"I for one am here to help and so is Noah."
