Officer shot by masked men in Northern Ireland is named – as police say New IRA is ‘primary focus’ of investigation

An off-duty officer shot by masked men in Northern Ireland has been named as Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell – as police say the “primary focus” of their investigation is the New IRA.

The senior officer was shot multiple times in front of young people he had been coaching at a sports centre just before 8pm on Wednesday, in Omagh, Co Tyrone.

Mr Caldwell remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital following the attack.

He is a high-profile officer who has led a number of major investigations, including taking a leading role in the murder probe following the killing of Natalie McNally in Lurgan in December.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) have launched an attempted murder investigation.

The dissident republican group, the New IRA, is the “primary focus” of the force’s investigation, according to Assistant Chief Constable Mark McEwan.

He told BBC Radio Ulster: “The investigation is at an early stage, we are keeping an open mind. There are multiple strands to that investigation.

“The primary focus is on violent dissident republicans and within that there is a primary focus as well on New IRA.”

Asked if there is a concern for wider security and safety, and whether action would be taken to improve security for some police officers, he replied: “On an ongoing basis, we see these elements continually trying to carry out attacks of this nature.

“We are supporting our officers and staff. We continually review our security arrangements and advise our officers on security arrangements and that’s on an ongoing basis.”

He said the country’s terror threat level at the moment remained “substantial”, meaning that an attack is “highly likely”.

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ACC McEwan also paid tribute to a “brave” member of the public who ran towards DCI Caldwell during the attack and administered first aid.

“I would also like to thank our partners in the ambulance service. If it hadn’t been for their quick action in getting John to hospital we might have been looking at something very different this morning,” he added.

Irish police are working closely in co-operation with their counterparts in the PSNI, and have intensified patrols amid suspicions the gunmen may have fled across the border.

In a statement last night, the Garda said it is “currently responding to an ongoing incident which took place earlier this evening in Northern Ireland”.

“A Garda Siochana has intensified patrolling in border counties.”

Temporary Detective Chief Superintendent Eamonn Corrigan said: “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.”

Liam Kelly, chair of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland, which represents rank-and-file officers, described the attack as “barbaric and cold-blooded”.

“The people who carried out this cowardly and shocking act must be quickly identified and apprehended and I would appeal to the community to assist the police in whatever way they can.

“My thoughts, and those of all police officers, are with our colleague and his family. The police family is strong and resilient, and we’ll be there for him and his family in this dreadful hour of need.”

The shooting has been condemned by politicians across the UK and Ireland.

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

Irish premier Leo Varadkar condemned the “grotesque act of attempted murder”.

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

“I utterly condemn this grotesque act of attempted murder.”

Sinn Fein vice president Michelle O’Neill said it was an “outrageous and shameful attack”.

“My immediate thoughts are with the officer and his family,” she said.

“I unreservedly condemn this reprehensible attempt to murder a police officer.”