The police chief leading the investigation into the attempted murder of DCI John Caldwell in Omagh two weeks ago has said he is disappointed no charges have been brought so far.
Eight arrests have been made in the fortnight since DCI Caldwell was shot by masked gunmen as he loaded footballs into his car alongside his son at Omagh Youthsport, in an attack police believe was carried out by the New IRA.
However, all eight men arrested have now been released without charge.
Detective Chief Superintendent Eamonn Corrigan was briefing media as the PSNI revealed they are seeking information about a second Ford Fiesta car they believe was used in the attack, and later found burnt out in an industrial estate in Ardboe, Co Tyrone.
Independent charity Crimestoppers has also offered a £150,000 reward for information supplied which leads to the conviction of those responsible for the attack.
“Our main aim is to bring people in front of the courts,” DCS Corrigan said.
“We deal with the evidence we have and we follow the evidence.
“Whilst I am disappointed that we haven’t brought anyone before the courts at this stage, these investigations are particularly challenging and they take time.
“The investigation is at an early stage and we will use any information that is supplied to us.
“The reward is significant and we need people to come forward with that one little piece of information that may close a gap we have.”
The police chief also addressed a threat issued by Republic group Arm na Poblachta towards PSNI officers’ families, calling it ‘completely vile, sickening and disgusting’.
ANP issued a statement to The Irish News saying that family members of officers would be considered ‘legitimate targets’.
“The ANP threat and the timing of it is completely vile, sickening and disgusting,” DCS Corrigan said.
“We’re taking the ANP threat seriously and all staff are regularly reminded about their own personal security on and off duty.”
Following reports of a number of those arrested were from a loyalist background, DCS Corrigan remains adamant the New IRA was behind the attack on his colleague.
“This attack was carried out by the New IRA, that is the main line of enquiry,” he said.
“I’m aware of speculation about the background of those involved. The background of those involved is either of a terrorist nature, an organised crime nature, or both.
“But this attack was carried out by the New IRA and that is our main line of enquiry.
“These people are quite clearly very dangerous and we need information to put them behind bars where they should be.”
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