A 37-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the attempted murder of an off-duty police officer in Kesh in the early hours of Thursday morning, the detective leading the investigation has said.

The male police officer was at home in the Rosscah/Crevenish Road area at around 2am when he noticed movement outside his property. Upon opening his front door to investigate the officer was confronted by a masked male aiming a shotgun at him.

The suspect, who is described as being dressed entirely in black, then made off on foot across nearby fields close to a local football club.

It’s understood he was arrested at a house last night in Fermanagh.

Speaking at a press conference at Enniskillen Police Station this morning (Friday), Detective Chief Inspector Julie Mullan said “organised criminal elements” were behind the murder bid.

“I firmly believe this was a failed attempt to murder a police officer.”

She said she would not “rule in or out anything” when asked for details on the motive behind the incident.

“It’s too early to say what the motivation was. It's had a huge impact on the officer,” she said.

Detectives have now launched a full investigation.

“I would take this opportunity to appeal for the help of the people of Kesh and further afield in identifying this would-be killer. Were you in the Rosscah/Crevenish Road area? Did you see anyone or anything you felt was suspicious?

“Did you capture dashcam footage? Do you have any information about this crime? No matter how small or insignificant it may seem, please get in touch. The investigation team can be contacted by calling 101, quoting reference 126 02/01/20,” she said.