LAST UPDATE | 27 Feb 2023
THE PSNI HAS made a fresh appeal for help with a reward for information to catch suspects involved in the shooting of an off-duty police officer in Co Tyrone.
Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell has been fighting for his life in hospital since he was shot in front of his young son in Co Tyrone last Wednesday.
He was targeted at a sports centre in Omagh, where he coaches a youth football team, by, police believe, two gunmen who fired multiple shots.
Last week, the PSNI said they believe the attack was terror-related, describing the New IRA as their primary line of inquiry.
Today PSNI Detective Chief Superintendent Eamonn Corrigan said Crimestoppers was offering a £20,000 reward for information.
Detective Chief Superintendent Eamonn Corrigan said that at least 10 shots were fired by the gunmen during the attack on DCI John Caldwell.
“At this time we believe at least 10 shots were fired by the gunmen in front of terrified children, parents,” Corrigan told reporters in Omagh.
“That shows the completely reckless nature of this attack and the callous disregard the gunmen had for children and adults who were present at the time of the shooting.
“The gunmen fired from close range in the busy sports training area, which could have quite easily seriously injured or killed anyone close by.
“John’s own son was with him at the time and witnessed the shooting.
“John remains in hospital where his condition remains critical but stable.”
The outfit was formed in 2012 and is affiliated to a political party formed in 2016.
Six men, aged 22, 38, 43, 45, 47 and 71, are being questioned in police custody.
Last night, a typed message appeared on a wall in Derry, purportedly from the New IRA and claiming responsibility for Caldwell’s attempted murder.
It was signed by “T O’Neill” – a name previously used by the dissident terrorist group.
It said: “The Irish Republican Army claim responsibility for the military operation targeting senior Crown Force member John Caldwell.
“An active service unit of the IRA were in position to target the enemy within our chosen kill zone with other armed volunteers giving cover.
“All volunteers returned safely to base.
“Irish Republican Army intelligence are now in possession of security information regarding the out of bounds movement of Crown Force personnel.
“We would say this, you still have to try and live a normal life day-to-day, one of these days the IRA will be waiting. T O’Neill.”
The PSNI has released a video of the getaway car in the investigation.
On Monday, Assistant Chief Constable 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.”
On Saturday, people gathered in the village of Beragh and in nearby Omagh to show their solidarity with Caldwell.
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