Detectives from the PSNI’s Major Investigation Team have, one week on, revisited the scene of the attempted murder of Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell.
DCI Caldwell was shot last Wednesday night, 22 February, at a sports centre in Omagh’s Killyclogher Road.
Detective Chief Superintendent Eamonn Corrigan said: “Today, 1 March, is one week on since this horrific attack took place. It was last Wednesday night, around 8pm, that John was shot by two gunmen, as he packed up after coaching a youth football team.
“John was shot multiple times and, when he fell to the ground, the gunmen continued to fire at him. This cowardly attempt to take a life took place in the midst of terrified children and parents, and, disturbingly, in front of John’s young son. Any number of adults or children could easily have been seriously injured or killed.
“We will work relentlessly to bring those responsible to justice and tonight our officers have revisited the scene. We’ve been handing out appeal leaflets. We’ve been speaking with pedestrians, drivers and passengers, and have carried out extensive house-to-house enquiries.
“A 33-year-old man was arrested in Omagh and a 57-year-old man was arrested in Belfast earlier today. Both were arrested under the Terrorism Act and taken to Musgrave Serious Crime Suite for questioning.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Corrigan added: “John remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition. The past week has been sheer torment for John’s loving family, and indeed his extensive circle of friends and colleagues.
“I am asking you to stop and imagine, for just one second, how you would feel if this happened to your loved one. And I’m asking you to search your conscience and come forward with any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem.”
Earlier this week, officers released CCTV footage of the car used by the gunmen. This is a blue Ford Fiesta, registration number MGZ 6242. It was fitted with false plates, FRZ 8414, prior to the attack. The CCTV footage shows the car leaving the sports complex after the shooting. It turns left onto the Killyclogher Road and is later found abandoned and burnt-out on the Racolpa Road.
Mr Corrigan wants to jog memories, and is appealing to members of the public to take a look at the footage.
He is also highlighting a reward of up to £20,000 from Crimestoppers, who are a charity and independent of the police. The reward is offered for information given directly to Crimestoppers that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for John’s attempted murder. Contact 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/operation/PSNI23S03-PO1
Please see the dedicated appeal page on the Police Service’s website: www.psni.police.uk/police-officer-attempted-murder-appeal
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