- Three individuals have been detained in connection.
- With the attempted murder of a police officer in Omagh, County Tyrone.
- John Caldwell is still in critical condition and the PSNI will work tirelessly.
In connection with the Wednesday attempted murder of a police officer not on duty in Omagh, County Tyrone, three individuals have been detained.
Insp. Det After coaching young football players, two gunmen shot John Caldwell many times.
He was reportedly shot at around 20:00 GMT while loading balls into the boot of his car with his kid, according to the police.
At Londonderry’s Altnagelvin Hospital, he continues to be in a critical but stable condition.
According to Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Chief Constable Simon Byrne, the men, who are 38, 45, and 47 years old, were apprehended in Omagh and Coalisland, County Tyrone.
But he said police are keeping an open mind and will continue to work against those with “callous disregard” for the community.
Political leaders have denounced the shooting, including Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Secretary for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris, and Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Leo Varadkar.
In a joint statement, the leaders of the Northern Ireland parties Michelle O’Neill, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, Naomi Long, Doug Beattie, and Colum Eastwood described the attack as being committed by “the enemies of our peace.”
As the bullets were fired, children at the Killyclogher Road sports complex fled in “sheer panic,” according to ACC McEwan.
“John was finishing up coaching an under-15 football team. He was accompanied by his young son,” he said.
“Two gunmen appeared, fired multiple shots and John ran a short distance and, as he fell to the ground, gunmen continued to fire shots at him.
A member of the public who provided first aid to the hurt officer was honored by ACC McEwan.
“At this time there were many other children. Those children ran for cover in sheer terror.”
The blatant attack, according to Mr. Byrne, had stunned and infuriated PSNI officers and had caused a “big tsunami” throughout the organisation.
The chief constable stated that Det Ch Insp Caldwell, who underwent surgery overnight, is still in critical condition.
According to reports, the 48-year-old will have more surgery on Thursday in the afternoon.
“Clearly one of the things which defines us is our resilience and our commitment to keep going in dark times and tough times,” he said.
“John knows that his colleagues will now be working tirelessly around the clock to support his recovery but also to bring the offenders who have tried to kill him to swift justice.”
The PSNI will make every effort to help Northern Ireland police as they operate against “a background of serious threat,” according to ACC McEwan.
The small, dark automobile that was found burned out near Racolpa Road, outside of Omagh, is thought to have been used by the shooters to flee.
Since then, multiple routes in the Omagh region have been closed.
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