John Caldwell – latest: Three arrested after police officer shot in Omagh, Northern Ireland

Three man have been arrested Omagh and Coalisland, County Tyrone after a police officer was shot on Wednesday evening, the Police Service of Northern Ireland has confirmed.

Detective chief inspector John Caldwell was loading footballs into his car when masked gunmen opened fire and continued to shoot him in a “brazen and calculated attack,” Northen Ireland Police Service (PSNI) said.

Children waiting to be collected by their parents “ran for cover in sheer terror” as masked gunmen opened fire just metres away.

Chief Constable Simon Byrne said: “This morning we have arrested three men aged 38, 45, and 47, in Omagh and Coalisland in connection with John’s attempted murder.

“They’re currently being questioned by detectives at Musgrave serious crime suite.”

PSNI assistant chief constable Mark McEwan said: “John’s own young son was with him at the time and witnessed the shooting. The trauma inflicted on this young boy is just horrific and he will never forget seeing his dad shot multiple times.”

Mr Caldwell remains in critical condition in hospital.

The community in Northern Ireland will not “kowtow” in the face of terror attacks, a minister has said.

In the Commons, Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt said: “All of our thoughts are with the injured police officer but we also know that his community and other communities are incredibly strong and resilient. They will never kowtow to this cowardly action and I think that they should be full of hope at this moment too.”

Her comments came after DUP MP Jim Shannon (Strangford) said: “Can I put on record my party and my self’s thoughts and prayers for the police office shot in Omagh last night. It is a reminder, a salient reminder, that there are still evil and wicked and murderous people with murderous intent out there wishing to take us back to the dark days of the past.”

Alliance MP Stephen Farry (North Down) also paid tribute to the police inspector.

He told the Commons: “I am certain that the Leader would wish to join with me in expressing the hope that the officer does recover, he is currently critically ill in hospital, and also in terms of expressing solidarity with the brave officers of the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the wider police family as they uphold the rule of law and protect the wider community in Northern Ireland in the face of the ongoing terrorist attack.”

Three men have now been arrested in Omagh and Coalisland, County Tyrone, in connection with the attempted murder, the Police Service of Northern Ireland has confirmed.

Chief Constable Simon Byrne said: “This morning we have arrested three men aged 38, 45, and 47, in Omagh and Coalisland in connection with John’s attempted murder. They’re currently being questioned by detectives at Musgrave serious crime suite.”

Asked about resources available to the PSNI, Chief Constable Simon Byrne told reporters: “In terms of resources, clearly it’s a question that’s bound to come up at this difficult time.

“Myself and Mark (Assistant Chief Constable Mark McEwan) are confident we have sufficient resource to pursue the offenders that have committed this crime.

“But clearly in days ahead there may well be wider questions asked about the prospect of losing 800 police officers whilst trying to fight against an uptake in terrorist activity.”

Speaking about the attack, PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne told reporters: “This has sent a huge shockwave across the organisation.

“We’ve been speaking principally with the Police Federation but also with those representatives of senior officers and police staff who would see themselves under threat.

“Clearly one of the things that defines us is our resilience and our commitment to keep going in dark times and tough times.

“So John knows that his colleagues will now be working tirelessly around the clock to support his recovery but also to bring the offenders that have tried to kill him to swift justice.”

At least 15 children from the local Omagh high school were just metres away from the gunmen when they opened fire, according to Sky News.

The children are said to be “emotionally traumatised” following the incident.

When asked how he is coping after a colleague and member of his team was shot, chief constable Simon Byrne said: “It’s the one phone call you never want to get.”

Chief Constable Simon Byrne confirmed that three men have been arrested in Omagh and Coalisland over the shooting of John Caldwell.

Speaking at a press briefing, Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officers said children waiting to be collected by their parents after a football training session “ran for cover in sheer terror” when masked gunmen opened fire at John Caldwell.