Omagh: attempted murder probe launched after PSNI officer is shot in front of young people he had been coaching
Masked men opened fire on DCI John Caldwell at a sports complex
Last updated 23rd Feb 2023
The PSNI launched an attempted murder investigation today (Thursday) after masked men shot one of its officers in front of young people at a sports complex in Omagh.
Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell was shot multiple times as he took coaching at the facility based on Killyclougher Road last night around 8 o'clock.
In a statement, police said he was taken to hospital where he is "in a critical but stable condition."
Police said he was shot in front of his young son.
DCI Caldwell was a high-profile officer who has led a number of major investigations, including taking a leading role in the murder probe following the killing of Natalie McNally in Lurgan in December.
Police probing the shooting are appealing for information and would like CCTV images, photos and dash-cam footage to help them with their inquiries.
Temporary detective chief superintendent Eamonn Corrigan said: "Our investigation is now underway and I would appeal to anyone who was in the area and witnessed what happened or could help with our enquiries to make contact with police on 101."
Irish police, meanwhile, have intensified patrols amid suspicions the gunmen may have fled across the border.
PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne said his thoughts were with the injured officer, his family and his colleagues.
"We will relentlessly pursue those responsible," he said.
"They have nothing to offer the community."
Sinn Fein vice president Michelle O'Neill, DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, Alliance leader Naomi Long, UUP leader Doug Beattie and SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said they stand united in outright condemnation of the attack.
"We speak for the overwhelming majority of people right across our community who are outraged and sickened by this reprehensible and callous attempted murder," they said.
"The community of Omagh has endured profound suffering, loss, and pain in the past which has left a deep trauma, and so this act of violence has left people there rightly angered.
"There is absolutely no tolerance for such attacks by the enemies of our peace.
"Those responsible must be brought to justice.
"This will require the full co-operation of the public whom we call upon to assist police in this attempted murder investigation.
"Together we stand with John's family and his colleagues in the police service at this time."
Vice Chair of the Policing Board Edgar Jardine added:
“Members have expressed their anger at the callous attack on Detective Chief Inspector Caldwell. Bringing terror to the heart of a sports centre where his son was present, and children and young people were gathered, shows the depravity and recklessness of those responsible.
"Serving the community by day and volunteering his spare time, John was a committed, respected and caring officer who worked to make our community safer and help others in the best possible way. Today our thoughts remain with John and his family as he continues to fight for his life.
"We thank all those who stepped forward to help after the attack. We also send a message of support to all the officers and staff within the Police Service who serve our community every day, and we very much welcome the cross community and political support voiced for policing in the wake of this attack.
"As the police begin their work to find those responsible, we call on the community to work with the police and provide any information that may help this investigation. As a community we cannot allow this terror to succeed.”
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