Hundreds gather in protest over attempted murder of off-duty cop shot in front of son at Omagh sports complex

HUNDREDS of people have gathered in protest over the attempted murder of an off-duty cop who was shot in front of his young son earlier this week.

The crowd gathered to condemn the attack as they declared there would be no going back to the violence of the past. 

Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell is currently fighting for his life in hospital after being shot several times in front of his son while loading footballs into the boot of his car at a sports complex on Wednesday.

The PSNI have said the dissident republican group, the New IRA, is the “primary focus” of the attempted murder investigation.

Organiser of the protest Anton McCabe, from the Omagh Trades Union Council, said: “There must be no going back to the years of violence, fear and injustices. 

“The shooting of John Caldwell in front of children was barbaric. It has traumatised the children who were there. It has opened up the trauma many carry from the past.

“A clear message has gone out today: no going back.

“Those who shot John Caldwell on Wednesday were in serious danger of lighting a fire that could burn us all, and let us be clear, the people of Omagh today have said no – no going back.”

Patricia McKeown of Unison said peace in Northern Ireland was only born when “a massacre was perpetrated on the men, women and children of Omagh”, reports PA.

“Twenty-five years later, the attempt has been made again, and your spirit and resolve is not broken,” she said.

“The factions who rejected our peace agreement will not change the resolve of the people.”

Padraig Mulholland of Nipsa said there are two Omaghs.

“There is the Omagh where this attack took place, but there is the positive Omagh; there is the Omagh that wants positive change, and that was best represented by health and education workers who held another protest here earlier this week. They were here for young people, for working people, trying to fight for a better future,” he said.

“No going back, let’s fight for a better future for all.”

Mr Caldwell, who had been coaching a group of juvenile players at the Killyclogher Road sports facility, ran a short distance before falling as the attackers continued to fire at him.

He is understood to have called to his son and other children in the area to “run!” as the masked gunmen opened fire on him.

Ahead of the rally, a march of solidarity was held in Mr Caldwell’s football club in the village of Beragh.

Supporters were encouraged to attend the march wearing their club colours before heading to the demonstration in Omagh.

A fifth man was arrested by police yesterday in connection to the attempted murder. 

In a statement, the PSNI said: “Detectives investigating the attempted murder of Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Major Investigation Team on Wednesday 22nd February at the Killyclogher Road area of Omagh have today, Friday 24th February made a fifth arrest.

“The man, aged 43 years old, was arrested in the Stewartstown area under the Terrorism Act and is currently being questioned by detectives in Musgrave Serious Crime Suite.

“Four men aged 22, 38, 45 and 47 years old also arrested in connection with the attempted murder remain in police custody at this time.”

Earlier, Chief Constable Simon Byrne provided an update on Caldwell’s health.

He said: “John remains in hospital where he is critically ill and heavily sedated”.

Mr Caldwell is believed to have sustained life-altering injuries.

Chief Byrne said Caldwell’s family wish to extend their thanks to people who provided first aid at the scene.

He said on Friday: “Last night, I had the chance to speak to John’s wife and his son.

“They are clearly heavily affected by what they’ve gone through but want to pass on their thanks both to the people that rendered first aid and care at the scene.

“But also in terms of the outpouring of support from across the community in relation to this awful outrage.”