Omagh: PSNI officer shot in Co Tyrone town

A PSNI officer has been shot in Co Tyrone.

The officer was believed to have been shot multiple times at a sports complex on the Killyclogher Road in Omagh tonight (Wednesday).

It is understood the officer was not on duty when the attack happened.

In a statement, the PSNI confirmed the shooting.

In addition, the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service confirmed it attended a scene in the Killyclogher area.

A spokesperson said they received a 999 call just after 8pm and took one patient by ambulance to Altnagelvin Area Hospital.

Meanwhile, the officer's condition was unknown.

There has been swift condemnation of the shooting.

Ulster Unionist Party MLA Tom Elliott has indicated the police officer attacked in Omagh was shot in front of young people at a football coaching session.

"Despicable, cowardly action. No place in society for this," he tweeted.

SDLP MP Colum Eastwood MP added:

“The brutal attack on a police officer in Omagh this evening is a chilling reminder of the horrifying violence that criminal gangs are willing to visit on the people of Northern Ireland.

“My thoughts and the thoughts of my SDLP colleagues are with the man and with the paramedics, doctors, nurses and police colleagues looking after him at this time. In the face of appalling violence that has no place in modern Ireland, their bravery and selfless dedication to service is an enduring reminder that for every individual determined to tear us apart, there are hundreds more committed to defending our peace and all those who live under it.

“Those behind this attack are committed to the fallacy that they are at war with the British establishment. Let me say very clearly to them that they are not. As I have said before, their fight is not with the British Government or the PSNI. Their fight is with the people of Ireland who have chosen peace. And it is a fight that they will never, never win."

Former Stormont justice minister Naomi Long said her thoughts were with the officer, his family, colleagues and all those affected by the shooting.

She branded the attack an "evil act of cowardice"

Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly has said he is shocked and concerned at the news of a murderous attack on a police officer in the Killyclogher Road area of Omagh tonight.

The party's policing spokesperson said:

“I unreservedly condemn this murderous attack on an off-duty police officer in the Killyclogher Road area in Omagh tonight.

“My immediate thoughts are with the officer injured in the shooting and his family who will be traumatised by this attack.

“I have spoken to senior police officers on a number of occasions tonight to put on record my concern and my absolute disgust at this attack.

“I am also calling on the public to co-operate with the ongoing police investigation in the area and anyone with any information on this attack should bring it forward to the police