The PSNI have launched an attempted murder investigation following the shooting of a senior police officer in Omagh last night (Thursday, February 22). 

Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell was named by the PSNI as the senior PSNI officer shot by masked men in front of young people he had been coaching at a sports centre in Omagh.

The policeman’s identity was revealed by Assistant Chief Constable Mark McEwan on BBC Radio Ulster’s Good Morning Ulster programme.

He added: “The officer’s condition remains critical but stable.”

Detailing the attack, he said: “Last night, at approximately 8pm at the youth sports centre in Killyclogher Road, Omagh, whilst John was putting footballs into the boot of his car, and accompanied by his young son, two gunmen approached and we believe both fired multiple shots.

“John has ran a short distance and he’s fallen to the ground, and as he’s on the ground the gunmen have continued to fire at him.

“That shows the absolute callous nature of this attack in a crowded space where there are children and parents in the vicinity, and we saw many of those young people and children running in sheer terror to get to safety.

“At least two other vehicles have been struck, and again this highlights the callous and reckless nature of this attack.”

Mr. McEwan said the investigation is at an early stage and that police believe the gunmen made off in a small, dark-coloured car which was later found burned out just outside Omagh.

“I would appeal for anyone with any information about those involved, about the vehicle, or anything else you think may be of use to the inquiry, no matter how small, please come forward to police,” he said.

Dissident Republican group, the New IRA, is the primary focus for detectives investigating the shooting of Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell.

Mr. McEwan said: “We are keeping an open mind. There are multiple strands to that investigation. The primary focus is on violent dissident Republicans, and within that there is a primary focus as well on [the] New IRA.”

Asked if he thinks dissident Republicans are probably responsible for the shooting, he said: “Yes, as I say, we are keeping an open mind as we do in every investigation, but that is a primary line of inquiry for this attack.”

The attack has been condemned across the political spectrum. Fermanagh South Tyrone MLA Deborah Erskine said: "This is absolutely horrific. Praying right now for the police officer involved, family and colleagues."

Also condemning the attack was Councillor Adam Gannon of the SDLP, who said: "Stunned to hear the news of what's happened in Omagh tonight, a brutal attack in front of children at football. Truly horrific.

"My thoughts are with the individual and their family."