'Together we stand with John’s family and his colleagues in the police service at this time'

By Gemma Murray
Published 23rd Feb 2023, 10:10 BST
Updated 23rd Feb 2023, 10:23 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now
A joint statement has been issued from Northern Ireland’s political leaders on the attempted murder of police officer John Caldwell.

The statement says: “We extend our heartfelt solidarity to DCI John Caldwell and his family after yesterday evening’s cowardly gun attack which has left him critically injured.

"Our thoughts are with John and his family and we wish him a full recovery.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"We stand united in our outright condemnation of this attack after he was shot in Omagh, Co. Tyrone yesterday evening in front of his son and other children and young people at a sports facility.

"We speak for the overwhelming majority of people right across our community who are outraged and sickened by this reprehensible and callous attempted murder.

"The community of Omagh has endured profound suffering, loss, and pain in the past which has left a deep trauma, and so this act of violence has left people there rightly angered.

"There is absolutely no tolerance for such attacks by the enemies of our peace.

"Those responsible must be brought to justice.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - Sunday 1st May 2022 - Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, Michelle O’Neill, Naomi Long, Colum Eastwood and Doug Beattie pictured with Marc Mallett at the UTV leaders debate at the Queen’s Film Theatre in south Belfast this afternoon. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - Sunday 1st May 2022 - Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, Michelle O’Neill, Naomi Long, Colum Eastwood and Doug Beattie pictured with Marc Mallett at the UTV leaders debate at the Queen’s Film Theatre in south Belfast this afternoon. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - Sunday 1st May 2022 - Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, Michelle O’Neill, Naomi Long, Colum Eastwood and Doug Beattie pictured with Marc Mallett at the UTV leaders debate at the Queen’s Film Theatre in south Belfast this afternoon. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.

"This will require the full co-operation of the public whom we call upon to assist police in this attempted murder investigation.

"Together we stand with John’s family and his colleagues in the police service at this time."

The statement is signed by:

**Michelle O’Neill MLA

Sinn Féin Vice-President

**Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP

DUP Leader

**Naomi Long MLA

Leader of the Alliance Party for Northern Ireland

**Doug Beattie MLA

Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party

**Colum Eastwood MP

Leader of the Social Democratic & Labour Party