Chilling message pasted onto wall after top police officer shot in front of son
A chilling message claiming responsibility for the attempted murder of a police officer, in front of his son, was painted onto a wall.
The unverified message from a seemingly self-styled 'IRA' surfaced in Derry, on Sunday night, and was widely shared on social media.
It's signed off "T O'Neill", a signature synonymous with dissident republican paramilitaries.
PSNI John Caldwell was targeted at a sports centre on Wednesday night, where he coaches a youth football team where police said two gunman opened fire.
The attack took place when Mr Caldwell was putting footballs into the boot of his car, aided by his young son, police confirmed.
Man put to death after grisly killing of three teenage boys as they slept
The horrific attack took place on Wednesday 22 February (PA)The off-duty officer was shot in the terrifying attack in front of a number of young people, including his son, at a sports centre in Omagh, County Tyrone, in Northern Ireland.
He underwent surgery and police have since arrested three men in their investigation into the attempted murder.
Chief Constable Simon Byrne said in a press conference this week: "This morning we have arrested three men aged 38, 45, and 47, in Omagh and Coalisland in connection with John's attempted murder.
The chilling statement"They're currently being questioned by detectives at Musgrave serious crime suite."
The sinister statement warned members of the security forces that the terror gang have gathered data on officers and that further attacks against security forces may be in the planning, BelfastLive reported.
It described the cold-blooded murder attempt in front of children as a "military operation" with "all volunteers returned to base".
Police forensics officers work at the scene of the shooting of an off duty policeman (AFP via Getty Images)The statement added: "An active service unit of the IRA were in position to target the enemy within our chosen kill zone with other volunteers giving cover.
"All volunteers returned to base safely.
"Irish Republican Army intelligence are now in possession of security information regarding the out of bounds movement of Crown forces personnel.
Armed police officers speak to passing drivers near the scene of the shooting (AFP via Getty Images)"We would say this, you will still have to try and live normal family life day to day, one of those days the IRA will be waiting."
US state votes against banning children from carrying guns in public
Wounded officer Mr Caldwell is a well-known officer who has led investigations into murders, organized crime and the dissident paramilitary campaign.
The injured officer was rushed to Altnagelvin Hospital around 8pm. Northern Ireland's chief constable Simon Byrne said he was in a 'critical but stable' condition.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark McEwan said: “John sustained a number of bullet wounds to his torso and was taken to hospital for treatment to his injuries".
Markers out on the ground by forensic officers at the scene where the dad was shot repeatedly (PA)The gunmen are believed to have fled across the Irish border following the attack, prompting Irish police to "intensify patrolling" in border counties.
The dad had been putting footballs into the boot of his car at the time, accompanied by his young son.
Mr McEwan said: "Two gunmen approached and we believe both have fired multiple shots.
“John has ran a short distance and he’s fallen to the ground, and as he’s on the ground the gunmen have continued to fire at him.
“That shows the absolute callous nature of this attack in a crowded space where there are children and parents in the vicinity, and we saw many of those young people and children running in sheer terror to get to safety.
“At least two other vehicles have been struck, and again this highlights the callous and reckless nature of this attack.”
Assistant Chief Constable for Crime Department Mark McEwan said: “Police are aware of the claim of responsibility.
“We are currently reviewing its contents as part of the overall investigation.
“On Friday we confirmed that we were treating the attempted murder of DCI John Caldwell as terrorist-related and our primary line of enquiry was the New IRA.”
Major Investigation Team detectives continue to ask for the public’s help in tracking down those behind the gun attack and would appeal to witnesses or those with information to please get in touch by calling 101 or online via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.
Information, including photos, CCTV and dash-cam footage, can also be provided to police through the Major Incident Public Portal at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI23S03-PO1
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
