Two men have been apprehended by police in Northern Ireland as part of the ongoing investigation into the attempted murder of a senior police officer, Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell.
Arrests Made in Ardboe Area
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed that a 37-year-old and a 73-year-old man were arrested in the Ardboe area on Tuesday evening. Both individuals were detained under the Terrorism Act and taken to the Musgrave Serious Crime Suite for questioning.
The February 2023 Attack
The arrests are connected to the shocking attack on Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell in February 2023. Mr Caldwell was targeted while he was off duty and packing up after coaching a youth football team. He was accompanied by his young son at the time.
The gunman shot Mr Caldwell several times in a brazen assault that sent shockwaves through the community. The militant group known as the New IRA later claimed responsibility for the shooting.
Aftermath and Recognition
The injuries sustained by Mr Caldwell were so severe that he was forced to retire from the PSNI on medical grounds. He revealed he had been shot nine times during the attack.
In a poignant moment in 2024, his bravery and distinguished service were recognised when he was presented with the King’s Police Medal by the Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace.
Speaking after the ceremony, Mr Caldwell provided an update on his recovery, stating it was “going very well. That’s thanks to the medical teams and thanks to the support from family and friends, and from my wife and my son.”
Several people have previously appeared in court charged with offences linked to this shooting attack. The latest arrests mark a significant new development in this major terrorism investigation.
