John Caldwell 'honoured' to be awarded King's Police Medal

John Caldwell was awarded a King's Police Medal at Buckingham Palace on Thursday

A senior police detective who was badly injured in a failed New IRA murder attempt has said he is "honoured" after receiving the King's Police Medal.

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.

The King's Police Medal is awarded for distinguished service in the police force.

It comes after the senior Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officer was recognised in the King's Birthday Honours earlier this year.

Mr Caldwell was presented with the medal by the Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace on Thursday.

"I'm feeling very happy, feel very privileged, feel very honoured to be - firstly nominated - and then to receive such a very nice medal from the King," he told PA news agency.

He said Princess Anne was "very aware" of who he was and wished him well.

DCI John Caldwell was recognised in the King's Birthday Honours list in June

Recovery 'going well'

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

To date, 36 people have been arrested and 14 people have been charged in connection with the attack.

In February, PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher paid tribute to Mr Caldwell's "tremendous and selfless courage" on the anniversary of his attack.

The detective, who has not yet returned to work, said he is still recovering from his injuries.

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

"The recovery is going very well," he added.

"That's thanks to the medical teams and thanks to the support from family and friends and from my wife and my son."