DCI John Caldwell shot and critically injured in Omagh
Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell is in a critical but stable condition in Derry’s Altnagelvin Hospital following the murder bid on Wednesday night, February 22.
Colleagues in the PSNI’s Major Investigation Team have launched an attempted murder investigation following the attack in Omagh.
Detective Chief Inspector Caldwell had been coaching a junior football team at a sports complex on the Killyclougher Road.
The PSNI say he was with his young son at the time.
As DCI Caldwell was putting footballs into the boot of his car he was approached by two masked gunmen who fired multiple times at him.
ACC Mark McEwan said: “John ran off but collapsed to the ground a short distance away with the gunmen pursuing him and opened fire again at him.”
Added McEwan: “There is a primary focus as well on the New IRA.
“The investigation is at an early stage, we are keeping an open mind.”
The senior detective has been involved in investigating organised crime, murders and terrorism.
DCI Caldwell led the investigation into the under car bomb murder bid of a police officer in Eglinton, Co Derry in 2015.
Dissident republican Sean McVeigh was jailed in May 2020 for 25 years over the murder bid after his DNA was found on the under car booby trap device.
The scene around the shooting remains cordoned off this morning as crime scene investigators comb the area for any evidence that could lead detectives to the would-be killers.
PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne said he was “shocked and saddened” by the events.
“We will relentlessly pursue those responsible,” he tweeted.
Temporary Detective Chief Superintendent Eamonn Corrigan of MIT said: “The serving officer was shot a number of times at a sports complex in the Killyclogher Road area of Omagh, just before 8pm on Wednesday, February 22.
“He has been taken to hospital and is in a critical but stable condition.
“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 quoting reference number 1831 of 22/02/23.
“Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”
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.
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