Seven men have been charged over the attempted murder of Northern Irish police officer DCI John Caldwell.
The men, aged between 23 and 42, were remanded in custody for their suspected involvement in a “meticulously planned” attack on the detective, who was shot several times in his home in the Craigavon area last week. Caldwell is currently in critical condition in hospital.
The suspects were apprehended during a series of police raids across the country, which also resulted in the discovery of a significant amount of ammunition and firearms.
The attack has been linked to a “cross-community gang” of criminals who police say are involved in a range of serious crimes in Northern Ireland, including drug trafficking, extortion and violence.
“This was a shocking and senseless act of violence against a dedicated police officer who was simply doing his job,” said Northern Ireland’s Deputy First Minister, Michelle O’Neill. “Our thoughts are with him and his family at this difficult time.”
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation across the country, with politicians and community leaders calling for an end to the violence.
“The people responsible for this attack must be brought to justice,” said Northern Ireland’s First Minister, Arlene Foster. “There is no place in our society for those who seek to perpetrate violence and undermine the rule of law.”
The attack comes amid growing concerns over the level of violence and criminality in Northern Ireland, particularly in the wake of the UK’s exit from the European Union.
Many fear that the removal of the border with the Republic of Ireland could lead to an increase in cross-border crime and the resurgence of sectarian violence between rival factions.
However, police have stressed that the incident is not believed to be related to any wider political or sectarian motive.
“This is a criminal act, plain and simple,” said PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne. “We are treating it as such and will do everything in our power to bring those responsible to justice.”
The investigation into the attack is ongoing, with police appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
