Omagh shooting: Principal praises ‘incredible support’ from senior PSNI officer John Caldwell

Gunmen shot Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell in front of his young son in an attack at a sports complex in Omagh, Co Tyrone, on Wednesday evening.

Jill Funston, Principal of Omagh County Primary School, paid high praise to Mr Caldwell and all the support he has given her school.

Speaking as principal and on behalf of the school's Board of Governors, she told the News Letter: "As a school community, we are all deeply shocked and saddened at the terrible events of Wednesday evening at Youth Sport.

"As a school, we are especially saddened, as the injured officer, Mr John Caldwell, is one of our school governors, as well as being a past chairperson of our PTFA.

"He is extremely well known within the school community and has played a major role in many of our fundraising events over the years and has been an incredible support to the Principal, staff and school.

"We hope that everyone will be keeping John, his wife and son in their thoughts and prayers at this most difficult of times."

Also paying tribute was the First Team manager for Beragh Swifts Football Club, Wes Ferguson.

Mr Caldwell had just finished coaching the youth team for the club when the two gunmen opened fire on him.

"John is a very humble gentleman and a people person," Mr Ferguson told the News Letter.

"John didn't care who you were or what you were, he just got on with you. He was always there, he was great with the kids and just loved being around football.

"He works tirelessly hard in his own job plus for the club as well. He is just a great person to have about."

He would also turn up regularly to support the first team in the club, he added.

"I have nothing but admiration for him. He is just an all round great guy."

Mr Ferguson said he arrived on the scene of the shooting about ten minutes after the attack, but praised the ambulance service for already having taken John to hospital.