Police are granted more time to question suspect in shooting of John Caldwell in Omagh

Police have been granted more time to question a suspect as they investigate the shooting of an off-duty officer in Northern Ireland. 

Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell was shot in front of his young son in Co Tyrone, Omagh on Wednesday while he was off duty. He remains critically ill. 

He was targeted at a sports centre where he coaches a youth football team. 

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) believe the two gunmen involved fired multiple shots, and that the attack was terrorist-related, describing the New IRA as their primary line of inquiry. 

Six men, aged 22, 38, 43, 45, 47 and 71 have been arrested in recent days in the attempted murder investigation. 

Detectives have now been granted more time to question one suspect, the 43-year-old man, who was arrested on Friday

Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell was shot in front of his young son in Co Tyrone, Omagh on Wednesday while he was off duty. He remains critically ill 

A map showing the scene of Mr Caldwell’s shooting

Detectives have now been granted more time to question one suspect, the 43-year-old man, who was arrested on Friday.  

‘A court in Belfast has granted an extension to the detention of the suspect until 10pm on Tuesday, February 28,’ a PSNI spokesperson said.

‘All six arrested men remain in custody in the Serious Crime Suite at Musgrave Police Station.’

Police have asked for the public’s help in the investigation, and have appealed to witnesses or those with information to get in touch by calling 101 or online via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.

Information, including photos, CCTV and dashcam footage, can be provided to police through the Major Incident Public Portal at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI23S03-PO1