BREAKING: Two men have been arrested in connection with the attempted murder of Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell, authorities confirm. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) announced that a 37-year-old and a 73-year-old were detained in the Ardboe area on Tuesday evening under the Terrorism Act.
This urgent development follows a harrowing incident in February 2023, when Caldwell was shot multiple times while off duty, accompanied by his young son after a youth football coaching session. The attack, which left him critically injured, was later claimed by the New IRA.
The PSNI reported that both men have been transported to the Musgrave Serious Crime Suite for questioning, with investigations ongoing. This arrest marks a significant step in a case that has drawn widespread attention and highlighted the ongoing issues of violence against police officers in Northern Ireland.
Caldwell, who has since retired on medical grounds, received the King’s Police Medal for distinguished service at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace in 2024. He expressed gratitude for the support he received during his recovery, stating, “The recovery is going very well. That’s thanks to the medical teams and support from family and friends.”
This incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of police officers in the region and the impact of organized crime. Authorities are expected to provide more updates as the investigation unfolds, and the community remains on high alert.
As this story develops, the implications for law enforcement and public safety in Northern Ireland are profound. Stay tuned for the latest updates on this critical situation.
