John Caldwell: Police release two arrested over shooting

Det Ch Insp John Caldwell has been involved in a number of major investigations

Two people arrested in connection with the shooting of Det Ch Insp John Caldwell have been released.

The 34-year-old woman was arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and assisting offenders after a search of a property in Omagh, County Tyrone.

She was released on bail to allow for further enquiries.

A 45-year-old man who was arrested on Tuesday, was also released after questioning.

Det Ch Insp Caldwell suffered life-changing injuries in the attack in Omagh last month.

Eight other men - aged 72, 57, 47, 45, 43, 38, 33 and 22 - who were arrested in connection with the attempted murder have since been released.

A 25-year-old man, detained over a claim of responsibility made for the shooting, was also released after being questioned.

Investigators said their main line of enquiry into the attempted murder was dissident republican group the New IRA.

• Who is PSNI detective John Caldwell?

• Timeline of dissident republican activity

Independent charity Crimestoppers had previously offered £20,000 but said anonymous donors had helped to increase that to £150,000.

Mr Caldwell, 48, was left critically ill after he was shot while putting footballs into his car after coaching young people at football.

The shooting, which happened in front of school children, was widely condemned by politicians across Northern Ireland.

Mr Caldwell is one of the best-known detectives in Northern Ireland, often fronting press conferences on major inquiries during his 26-year career.

He had coached a Beragh Swifts training session at Youth Sport Omagh when the gunmen approached and shot him at about 20:00 GMT on 22 February.