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Alamy Stock Photo

New IRA 'primary line of enquiry' into attempted murder of PSNI detective John Caldwell

A fifth man has been arrested by police investigating the attempted murder this evening.

LAST UPDATE | 24 Feb 2023

THE PSNI HAS confirmed that it is treating the attempted murder of Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell as “terror-related” and that the “primary line of enquiry is the New IRA”.

A fifth man has been arrested this evening in connection with the shooting. 

In an investigation update earlier today, the PSNI’s Assistant Chief Constable for Crime Department Mark McEwan also made a renewed appeal for anyone who was in the area or who witnessed what happened to come forward.

This can be done by calling 101 quoting reference number 1831 of 22/02/23 or can be done anonymously by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Information, including photos, CCTV and dash-cam footage, can also be provided to police through the Major Incident Public Portal

Meanwhile, PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne has said that Caldwell is “critically ill and heavily sedated” in hospital following the attempt made on his life.

Gunmen shot Caldwell in front of his young son in the attack at a sports complex in Omagh, Co Tyrone, shortly after 8pm on Wednesday evening.

Caldwell 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.

He remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital.

Arrests

A fifth man has been arrested this evening by police investigating the attempted murder. 

The man, aged 43, was arrested in the Stewartstown area of Co Tyrone under the Terrorism Act.

He is currently being questioned by detectives at Musgrave Serious Crime Suite.

This arrest comes after four men – aged 22, 38, 45 and 47 – were arrested in Omagh and Coalisland yesterday and today. 

They were also taken to Musgrave Serious Crime Suite for questioning and remain in custody this evening.

file-photo-dated-171120-of-police-service-of-northern-ireland-psni-detective-chief-inspector-john-caldwell-who-has-been-named-as-the-off-duty-police-officer-injured-in-a-shooting-at-a-sports-comp Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

Speaking alongside political representatives from the five main Stormont parties this afternoon, PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne said: “We do not underestimate, from the point of view of the police service, how important it is that we are joined today in an act of unity from all the political parties across Northern Ireland.

“Clearly we know from what we’ve done so far and from commentary from across the community, and the political spectrum, the sheer sense of outrage of this pointless and senseless attack on Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell.

“John remains in hospital, where he is critically ill and heavily sedated.”

Sinn Féin Stormont leader Michelle O’Neill also emphasised the importance of unity in the wake of the attack.

She thanked Byrne for updating the five Stormont parties on the progress of the investigation.

“It is so important in moments like this that we stand united,” she said.

“We do stand here united as one voice in our condemnation against this horrific attack on a police officer, someone who is part of our community.

“I think that the most powerful message that we, as political leaders (can do, is) to stand with the chief constable today, to stand with the police service and say, this is not good enough. This is an attack on all of us, this is an attack on our community.”

DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson said it needs to be ensured that the PSNI has the resources it needs to carry out its job effectively. 

“We will work together as parties engaging with the Government to ensure that resource is being made available to the Chief Constable and the PSNI,” Donaldson said. 

“I would also say to the evil people who carried out this heinous attack and to their organisation – you are not the future of this place. We stand against you.” 

The attack

At around 8pm on Wednesday night, John Caldwell was putting footballs into the boot of his car and was accompanied by his young son.

Two gunmen approached and are believed to have both fired multiple shots.

Caldwell ran but fell to the ground, with the gunmen continuing to shoot, the police believe.

Speaking yesterday, Assistant Chief Constable for Crime Department Mark McEwan said: “John’s own son was with him at the time and witnessed the shooting. The trauma inflicted on this young boy is just horrific and he will never forget seeing his dad shot multiple times.”

McEwan added that “the gunmen fired from close range in the busy sports training area, which could also quite easily have killed or seriously injured children who were present at the time of the shooting”.

“Those who carried out this attack were completely reckless in their actions and they had absolutely no regard for the officer who was injured or anyone in the crowd,” he said. 

McEwan outlined that the two gunmen, who were dressed in dark clothing, carried out the attack and left the scene on foot.

At least two other vehicles were struck by the gun shots. 

“We believe the gunmen fled the scene in a small, dark coloured vehicle shortly after 8pm. We believe this vehicle was abandoned and set on fire in Racolpa Road, Omagh,” McEwan said.

chief-constable-simon-byrne-left-and-assistant-chief-constable-mark-mcewan-from-the-police-service-of-northern-ireland-psni-speak-to-the-media-outside-psni-headquarters-in-belfast-following-the-s PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne (left) and Assistant Chief Constable Mark McEwan speak to the media outside PSNI headquarters in Belfast yesterday Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

Condemnation 

The attack has been widely condemned by political leaders across Ireland and the UK. 

Before their meeting today, political leaders in Northern Ireland issued a joint statement yesterday morning saying there can be no tolerance for this type of attack and that those responsible must face justice.

Sinn Féin Vice-President Michelle O’Neill, DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson, Alliance leader Naomi Long, UUP leader Doug Beattie and SDLP leader Colum Eastwood collectively said that they “speak for the overwhelming majority of people right across our community who are outraged and sickened by this reprehensible and callous attempted murder”.

“The community of Omagh has endured profound suffering, loss, and pain in the past which has left a deep trauma, and so this act of violence has left people there rightly angered,” the leaders said.

There is absolutely no tolerance for such attacks by the enemies of our peace. Those responsible must be brought to justice.

“This will require the full co-operation of the public whom we call upon to assist police in this attempted murder investigation.

“Together we stand with John’s family and his colleagues in the police service at this time.”

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar “utterly condemn[ed] this grotesque act of attempted murder” and called on “anyone with information about it to share it with the PSNI”.

“Our thoughts are with the injured officer, his family, colleagues and friends at this difficult time,” Varadkar said.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he was appalled by the “disgraceful shooting of an off-duty police officer in Omagh”.

“My thoughts are with the officer and his family. There is no place in our society for those who seek to harm public servants protecting communities.”

With reporting by Press Association

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    Mute Stephen Duggan
    Favourite Stephen Duggan
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    May 8th 2014, 7:05 AM

    Let’s be totally frank and honest,the man is a grade A arrogant and self serving pr!ck,is there anyone apart from himself who’s honestly surprised he’s gone ? The question is if there were no elections on the horizon would Edna have done what he done ? FG/Lab right now would throw the baby out with the bath water just to survive being obliterated at the upcoming elections . The trouble is and truth is it’s way too little too late.

    73
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    Mute Declan Pollard
    Favourite Declan Pollard
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    May 8th 2014, 7:25 AM

    Shatter is moaning that he was never interviewed by the senior council. Now he knows what the whistle blowers felt when they weren’t interviewed about their claims of Garda malpractice. It’s always the same mantra when a politician resigns: they left for the good of the party and the country. Bertie said the same.

    52
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    Mute Harry Price
    Favourite Harry Price
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    May 8th 2014, 2:16 PM

    The entire politically appointed gang both in the courts with its agents and the gardai top brass have failed justice . Its time that truth and common law had a real place in law to stop the gang cartel from being a judge unto self . independant in job and above right over wrong is but corrupt

    2
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    Mute Joe Traynor
    Favourite Joe Traynor
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    May 8th 2014, 7:14 AM

    Honourable thing my a^se,
    He could not take being scolded publicly for something that he couldn’t deny .

    37
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    Mute TOP CAT
    Favourite TOP CAT
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    May 8th 2014, 7:21 AM

    Alan Shatter’s tank was empty,
    He had no more bulls**t to give.He was a walking talking STD.
    A
    Special TD.
    Who never stopped giving……

    31
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    Mute Gus Sheridan
    Favourite Gus Sheridan
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    May 8th 2014, 8:35 AM

    The best thing he did was to resign, arrogant, self-important price.Practically abolished the Gardai as an effective force.Stopped recruitment so there will be a huge skills gap in years to come.Made rural dwellers feel unsafe in their own homes, a TOTAL disaster and it will take years for the system to recover because of this gobsh1te, Good riddance!

    16
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    Mute Powerabbey
    Favourite Powerabbey
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    May 8th 2014, 7:11 AM

    Most of the opposition will be delighted to see this reforming ministers resignation. He is the first minister in many many years to take on the big issues. As usual in Ireland we look at the small problems to the detriment of the total portfolio.

    11
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    Mute James O Donoghue
    Favourite James O Donoghue
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    May 8th 2014, 8:09 AM

    Disagree. He destroyed the police, undermined alot of legal professionals.

    The only positive was his reforming of the immergration system

    16
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    Mute Peter Redmond
    Favourite Peter Redmond
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    May 8th 2014, 8:34 AM

    Arrogant, out of touch and ignorant! Good riddance Mr Shatter, all we want is transparent politicians that are doing there best for the citizens and not there own egos

    10
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    Mute phunkyboy
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    May 8th 2014, 9:35 AM

    He’d become a joke. A Justice minister who breaks the law only could happen in Ireland.

    9
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    Mute Mike Clinton
    Favourite Mike Clinton
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    May 8th 2014, 8:07 AM

    Has shatter actually left the government/party or just stepped down from the ministerial position.

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    Mute Niall Mullins
    Favourite Niall Mullins
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    May 8th 2014, 8:48 AM

    Only the ministerial position. Wouldn’t qualify for the pension if he left government completely. All plans are falling into place nicely for them. No more talk about the water tax fiasco now and the public are happy that he’s gone. They try to make out that nobody knew and all parties were shocked but if you check the replay of inda’s announcement you’ll see that there was no reaction from any of them. Just like it was a normal run of business. This was planned well in advance and timed to give them cover in the run up to the election. One can only hope the public don’t fall for it.

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    Mute Mike Clinton
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    May 8th 2014, 9:29 AM

    I was wondering about that Niall, from the onset it looks like a very well orchestrated ballet .

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    Mute Gus Sheridan
    Favourite Gus Sheridan
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    May 8th 2014, 8:36 AM

    Not price………. Read. Pr1ck !

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    Mute Betty Lewis
    Favourite Betty Lewis
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    May 8th 2014, 7:25 AM

    The only Minister that did right and rectified issues relating to foreigners in Ireland. God bless Ireland. Shatter you will be missed.

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    Mute Rory J Leonard
    Favourite Rory J Leonard
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    May 8th 2014, 9:05 AM

    It now appears that the upper echelons of Irish politics is no place for a man in a hurry!

    Shatter probably has little time for lots of the hail-fellow-well-met BS that goes with politics, and just wanted to get on with his reforms.

    It says a lot about the quality of line management and systems within DOJ if files on serious matters, alluded to in press comments from Guerin Report, we’re not attended to in a proper and timely manner. I doubt if Shatter sat on any file intentionally, without actioning.

    In any event, the buck still stops with the Minister.

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