DCI Caldwell shooting: PSNI release new CCTV of gunmen's car
Crimestoppers has offered an increased reward of £150,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved
Last updated 8th Mar 2023
The PSNI has released more CCTV footage of the car used by the gunmen involved in the attempted murder of Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell in Omagh last month.
DCI Caldwell was shot two weeks ago, on Wednesday 22 February, at a sports centre in Omagh’s Killyclogher Road.
He was shot by two gunmen around 8pm as he packed-up after coaching a youth football team.
He remains critical but stable in hospital.
The Crimestoppers charity has also increased its reward to £150,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved .
This is one of the highest rewards the charity has offered.
Detective Chief Superintendent Eamonn Corrigan said he believe a second Ford Fiesta of a similar model was used in the attempted murder of DCI Caldwell.
The second car had a registration number of RLZ 9805 and was bought in Glengormley towards the end of January.
Detective Chief Superintendent Eamonn Corrigan said: “It is now two weeks to the day since this horrific attack took place and we are working relentlessly to bring those responsible to justice.
“I am now in a position to say that I believe a second Ford Fiesta was used in the attempted murder of DCI Caldwell. It is also a blue Ford Fiesta of a similar model. This second car had registration number RLZ 9805 and was bought in Glengormley towards the end of January. I believe this car travelled to Belfast around this date.
“It was then driven from Belfast at approximately 1pm on Wednesday 22 February – the day of the attack on John – and travelled along the M1 in the direction of Coalisland and Omagh.”
The car was later found burnt out in the Ardboe Industrial Estate the following day on February 23.
Detective Chief Superintendent Eamonn Corrigan added: I would like to know where it was stored and its movements during this period of time.
“Today I am releasing new CCTV footage of the first blue Ford Fiesta as it travels into Coalisland at around 10pm on the night of the 21st. It had registration number MGZ 6242, and was fitted with false plates, FRZ 8414, prior to the attack”
Previous CCTV footage issued shows this blue Ford Fiesta leaving the sports complex and turning left onto the Killyclogher Road immediately after the shooting.
Detective Chief Superintendent Corrigan said the car travelled past Glendale Service Station to the Racolpa Road where it was abandoned and set on fire.
The first blue Ford Fiesta was purchased in Ballyclare on Wednesday 8 February and was observed travelling towards Belfast on the M2 Motorway that night.
It was next noted leaving Belfast at around 9.30pm on Tuesday 21 February - the night before the attack on John – and travelled along the M1 Motorway into Coalisland at around 10pm.
Detective Chief Superintendent Corrigan today made a fresh appeal for information.
He said: “Anyone who knows where either of these two cars were kept prior to the shooting or has knowledge of their movements on the day of the shooting to come forward.
He added: “I am also appealing for anyone who observed anything suspicious in the Racolpa Road area of Omagh on the night of the shooting and in Ardboe the following night, Thursday 23 February. Did you see anyone or any vehicles in these areas? Did you observe any vehicles driving away at speed?”
To date eight men, aged between 22 and 71 have been arrested.
All have since been released following questioning.
Detective Chief Superintendent Corrigan added: “John was shot multiple times and, when he fell to the ground, the gunmen continued to fire at him. This cowardly attempt to take a life took place in the midst of terrified children and parents, and, disturbingly, in front of John’s young son. Any number of adults or children could easily have been seriously injured or killed.
“I am asking you to stop and imagine, for just one second, how you would feel if this happened to your loved one. And I’m asking you to search your conscience and come forward with any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem.”
Mick Duthie, Crimestoppers Director of Operations, said: “On behalf of Crimestoppers, I would like to express our shock and sadness at the callous shooting of DCI John Caldwell. As a father of young children myself and a children’s football coach also, this attack really resonates with me. We are pleased to offer this £150,000 reward for information, thanks to the generosity of donors.
“If you’re reluctant to speak to the police, please remember that our charity is here to help you do the right thing. Tell Crimestoppers what you know whilst staying completely anonymous. Please understand Crimestoppers has kept its promise to protect your identity since we started back in the late 1980s. You can contact us via our website or call our UK Contact Centre on 0800 555 111. Details about how to claim this reward are available online.
“We are completely independent from the police. When you contact Crimestoppers we never ask for or store personal details. All we ask is that you tell us what you know. Your information can make all the difference.”
Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
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