John Caldwell: a PSNI officer of senior standing

THE victim of Wednesday night’s shooting was a high-profile officer within the ranks of the PSNI – Deputy Chief Inspector John Caldwell.

Det Ch Insp Caldwell, who is reportedly in ‘critical but stable’ condition at Altnagelvin Hospital, is someone whose name was already familiar to crime correspondents working in the region.

He has headed up a number of serious murder investigations over the years – including the murder of local officer and fellow Beragh man Ronan Kerr back in 2011.

More recently, he was involved in the investigation of Lurgan murder victim Natalie McNally before taking a lead role in the Shane Whitla case. Mr Whitla, who was known to police, was shot dead in Lurgan in January.

Det Ch Insp Caldwell has regularly fronted press conferences in the course of major inquiries and it is understood that he has received a number of threats in the past.

In his personal life, he coaches Beragh Swifts U15s and the incident on Wednesday night occurred after he had coached young people at Youth Sport on the Killyclogher Road on the periphery of Omagh.

Det Ch Insp Caldwell’s young son suffered an ‘horrific trauma’ after witnessing the attack, the have police said.

An attempted murder investigation has been launched after Det Ch Insp Caldwell, from the Major Investigation Team, was shot multiple times at Youth Sport, Omagh.

Police say a ‘primary focus’ is on the New IRA.

Shortly after 8pm on Wednesday, a number of shots were fired at the off-duty officer as he returned to his car at the sports complex on the Killyclogher Road. He is currently in hospital where his condition is critical but stable.

Police have arrested three men aged 38, 45 and 47 under the Terrorism Act in Omagh and Coalisland in connection with the attempted murder and they are currently being questioned by detectives in Musgrave Serious Crime Suite.

Speaking at lunchtime on Thursday, Assistant Chief Constable for Crime Department, Mark McEwan said, “The officer’s condition remains critical but stable. We are closely consulting with John Caldwell’s family, who are understandably shocked at last night’s shooting. John is a highly respected senior investigating officer who dedicates himself to service, both in supporting victims and families in bringing others to justice. He is also an active member of the Omagh community.

“Last night at approximately 8pm at the Youth Sport centre in Killyclogher Road, Omagh, when John was putting footballs into the boot of the car, accompanied by his young son, two gunmen approached and we believe both have fired multiple shots. John ran a short distance and fell to the ground when the gunmen continued to fire shots at him.

“That shows the absolute callous nature of this attack, and it is utterly disgusting that the gunmen carried out this attempted murder in front of crowds of adults and children. John’s own young 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.

“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.

“John sustained a number of bullet wounds to his torso and was taken to hospital for treatment to his injuries. He remains in a critical but stable condition this morning and has undergone surgery for his wounds.

“I would like to pay tribute to a brave member of the public who administered first aid. I would also thank our partners in the ambulance service. If it had not been for their quick actions we might have been looking at something very different this morning.

“We recognise the huge shock and trauma this has caused in the community in Omagh. I know this is not what they want to see happening in their town.”

Assistant Chief Constable, Mark McEwan added, “The investigation is at an early stage and I would appeal to anyone with information to bring it to police. Our main line of enquiry is that violent dissident republicans carried out this vile attack and within that a primary focus is on the New IRA.

“The two gunmen, who were dressed in dark clothing, carried out this cowardly attack and left the scene on foot. At least two other vehicles were struck by their volley of 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.

“We want to hear from anyone who was in the area or who witnessed what happened to get in touch with any information that could help with our investigation.

“Likewise, if you have captured dash-cam or mobile footage, please contact officers on 101 quoting reference number 1831 of 22/02/23.

“I would also ask anyone with information to phone 101 or if you would prefer to remain anonymous contact 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 at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI23S03-PO1

Link to the dedicated appeal page on website: www.psni.police.uk/police-officer-attempted-murder-appeal