UK
John Caldwell: Two arrested over attempted murder of senior Northern Ireland police detective
Two men have been arrested over the attempted murder of a senior police detective in Northern Ireland.
Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell was shot several times on 22 February in Omagh, where he had been coaching a youth football team.
He was putting balls in a car when he was attacked in front of his young son and other children, who were seen running for cover.
Detectives investigating the attack arrested two men on Friday morning, police said.
The pair, aged 28 and 70, were detained following separate searches in Co Tyrone.
“They have been taken to Musgrave Serious Crime Suite for questioning, and remain in custody at this time,” police in Fermanagh and Omagh said.
It brings the total number of arrests in the investigation to 17.
Mr Caldwell, who suffered “life-changing” injuries in the attack, was released from hospital in April.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said he had been discharged “to continue his recovery” and appealed for privacy.
Detectives have said they suspect the dissident republican New IRA carried out the shooting.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
February: Hundreds of people in Omagh held a protest over the attack
They believe two gunmen were involved, and at least 10 shots were fired.
The attack was condemned across the political spectrum, including by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak who said he was appalled by the “disgraceful shooting”.
It also led to protests in Co Tyrone against paramilitary violence in solidarity with Mr Caldwell.
Crimestoppers offered a reward of £150,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in connection with the case.