Three man have been arrested Omagh and Coalisland, County Tyrone after a police officer was shot on Wednesday evening, the Police Service of Northern Ireland has confirmed.
Detective chief inspector John Caldwell was loading footballs into his car when masked gunmen opened fire and continued to shoot him in a “brazen and calculated attack,” Northen Ireland Police Service (PSNI) said.
Children waiting to be collected by their parents “ran for cover in sheer terror” as masked gunmen opened fire just metres away.
Chief Constable Simon Byrne said: “This morning we have arrested three men aged 38, 45, and 47, in Omagh and Coalisland in connection with John’s attempted murder.
“They’re currently being questioned by detectives at Musgrave serious crime suite.”
PSNI assistant chief constable Mark McEwan said: “John’s own young son was with him at the time and witnessed the shooting. The trauma inflicted on this young boy is just horrific and he will never forget seeing his dad shot multiple times.”
Mr Caldwell remains in critical condition in hospital.
