PSNI’s anniversary vow to catch detective’s shooters

POLICE in the North will continue to ‘relentlessly pursue’ those responsible for shooting senior detective John Caldwell a year ago, PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has said.

Mr Boutcher praised Detective Chief Inspector Caldwell’s ‘tremendous and selfless courage’ as he continues to recover from his injuries.

DCI Caldwell was shot several times in front of his son by dissident republicans at a sports complex in Omagh, Co. Tyrone, on

February 22, 2023. He was packing up after coaching a youth football team when he was targeted.

The detective, who had investigated a number of high-profile murder cases, spent several weeks in intensive care.

He made his first public appearance since the shooting at a garden party hosted by King Charles at Hillsborough Castle in Co. Down last May.

Several people have been arrested and charged in relation to the shooting, which police linked to dissident republicans.

Mr Boutcher said: ‘It’s one year on since this cowardly attempt to take John’s life took place. This despicable attack took place among terrified children and parents and, distressingly, in front of John’s young son. I would like to, first of all, acknowledge John’s tremendous and selfless courage. The high esteem in which he is held by colleagues and friends speaks volumes. My thoughts, and that of the entire service, are with John and his family, as he continues his recovery journey.’

Mr Boutcher added: ‘Those responsible have nothing to offer our community and I welcome the 36 arrests to date, with 14 people charged and four reported to the Public Prosecution Service.

‘Our officers will continue to relentlessly pursue those responsible for this most vicious act, seeking to bring all who have played any part before the courts.’