3 days ago
Two men charged with attempted murder of senior police officer John Caldwell
Two men have been charged in connection with the attempted murder of a senior police officer in Co Tyrone.
Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell was seriously injured after being shot several times at a sporting complex in Omagh on February 22, 2023, where he had been coaching a youth football team.
The senior police officer was putting footballs in a car when he was attacked in front of his young son and other children, who were seen running for cover.
On Monday, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said two men had been arrested in connection with the attack.
They said a 45-year-old was arrested in the Stewartstown area, and a 25-year-old man was arrested in west Belfast earlier on Monday. They were detained under the Terrorism Act.
Police have confirmed that the two men have been charged with Preparation of Terrorist Acts and Perverting the Course of Justice. PSNI DCI John Caldwell wins the Special Recognition Award presented by Terry Robb, Head of Personal Banking at Ulster Bank (right) at the Sunday Life Spirit of Northern Ireland awards, at the Culloden Resort and Spa in Cultra, Holywood, near Belfast (Image: Kevin Scott/Sunday Life/PA Wire)
A PSNI spokesperson said: "Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Serious Crime Branch, investigating the attempted murder of Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell in Omagh in February 2023, have charged two men to court.
"The charges follow their arrests and subsequent detention under the Terrorism Act on Monday, 11th August.
"A 45-year-old man, arrested in the Stewartstown area and a man aged 25, arrested in west Belfast, have both been charged with the Preparation of Terrorist Acts and Perverting the Course of Justice.
"They are due to appear at Dungannon Magistrates' Court tomorrow morning, Wednesday, 13th August. As is usual procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service"
Several people have already been arrested and charged in relation to the shooting, which police linked to dissident republicans.
Mr Caldwell retired from the PSNI last December on medical grounds.
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