New IRA claims it shot off-duty police officer

A message purportedly from the New IRA claiming responsibility for the shooting of an off-duty police officer is being investigated after it was found pinned to a wall in Londonderry.

Det Ch Insp John Caldwell was gunned down in front of his young son outside a Co Tyrone sports centre last week at the end of an evening coaching the youth football team. He remains in a critical condition in hospital.

Police believe two gunmen were responsible. Six men, aged 22, 38, 43, 45, 47 and 71, are being questioned.

The typed message, found on Sunday, was signed “T O’neill” – a name previously used by the dissident terrorist group.