Shooting of detective confirmed as terror attack with New IRA chief suspects
Police in Northern Ireland have confirmed they are treating the shooting of an off-duty police officer as terrorist-related, and their primary line of inquiry is the New IRA.
Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell remains critically ill in hospital and heavily sedated after the attack at a sports centre in Omagh, Co Tyrone, on Wednesday.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark McEwan gave an update on the case this afternoon as police call for witnesses to come forward.
"Following the attempted murder of Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell on Wednesday February 22 I can confirm that we are now treating it as terrorist-related and our primary line of inquiry is the New IRA," he said.
"Detectives want anyone who was in the area or who witnessed what happened to call 101 quoting reference number 1831 of 22/02/23."
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(Photo By Justin Kernoghan)Four men have been arrested in Co Tyrone in the attempted murder investigation.
Chief Constable Simon Byrne has spoken to Mr Caldwell's wife and son, who he said have been heavily affected by the incident.
He added that they want to pass on their thanks both to first aiders at the scene, and for the outpouring of support across the community.
The boy was standing next to his dad when the attack took place.
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood, DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson, Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Chief Constable Simon Byrne, Sinn Fein deputy leader Michelle O'Neill, Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) leader Doug Beattie, and Alliance party leader Stephen Farry (PA)It comes after Sinn Fein vice-president Michelle O'Neill, DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, Alliance deputy leader Stephen Farry, UUP leader Doug Beattie and SDLP leader Colum Eastwood met with Mr Byrne at police headquarters in Belfast on Friday morning.
They then took part in a joint press conference with Mr Byrne, who hailed the importance of the act of political unity.
"We echo our thanks because it has rippled through the organisation about how important it is that we're joined by the political leaders today at this unique time to show that we stand together and call out this outrage for what it is," Mr Byrne said.
Chief Constable Simon Byrne speaks to the media (PA)Gunmen shot Mr Caldwell as he packed footballs into his car after coaching a team at the centre.
He ran a short distance and fell to the ground, where the attackers continued to fire at him as children ran in terror to get to safety, police said.
A 22-year-old was arrested in the Coalisland area on Friday morning.
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Three men aged 38, 45 and 47 also arrested in Co Tyrone remain in custody.
Forensic officers at the scene (PA)The dissident republican group the New IRA were quickly named as the "primary focus" of the probe, police have said.
On Thursday, Mr Byrne said the PSNI as an organisation, are "utterly shocked and angered by last night's brazen and calculated attack".
He added: "John is a father, husband and colleague, and a valued and active member of his local community."
He said Mr Caldwell has been a police officer for 26 years and is "committed to public service as a senior investigating officer supporting victims and their families in bringing offenders to justice".
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