John Caldwell retires from PSNI almost two years after attack

A senior detective has retired from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) almost two years after being targeted in a dissident republican attack.

Det Ch Insp John Caldwell was shot in front of his young son as he packed up after coaching a youth football team in Omagh, County Tyrone, in February 2023.

Mr Caldwell, who was off-duty at the time, was shot a number of times at close range by two gunmen outside a sports complex.

The PSNI has confirmed that Mr Caldwell retired on medical grounds on 5 December.

At the time, police said the primary focus of their investigation was on violent dissident republicans, including the New IRA.

The New IRA later claimed responsibility in a typed statement which appeared in Londonderry.

In a statement on Thursday, PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: "John was the subject of a cowardly and murderous attack in 2023, and we thank him for his bravery, commitment, and service to the public.

"We wish him all the very best in the future."

Mr Caldwell was recognised in the King's Birthday Honours in 2023 and later awarded the King's Police Medal for distinguished services in the police force.

Speaking in November, Mr Caldwell said he was still recovering from his injuries.

"I've been impacted, obviously, by the attack upon me; I was shot nine times. I'm still recovering from those injuries," he said.

"The recovery is going very well."