Politicians have united in comdemnation following the shooting of an off-duty police officer in Omagh last night (Wednesday, Feburary 22).

Condemnation from across the political spectrum comes as PSNI forensic specialists examine the scene at the sports complex in Omagh and on the Racolpa Road, Omagh where a vehicle was abandoned and burnt out.

Among those condemning the attack was the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

Sinn Féin councillor and Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Barry McElduff, released a statement earlier today (Thursday) regarding the shooting of Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell. He said: "I am greatly shocked at the news of a police officer being shot in the Killyclogher, Omagh area  

"This was a heinous act, totally wrong, and as Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, I condemn this action without reservation. 

"My thoughts in the immediate aftermath of this shooting are with the victim of this incident and his family."

DSI Caldwell remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital after being shot multiple times.

Dissident republican group the New IRA is the primary focus for detectives investigating the shooting.

The attack has sparked condemnation by political leaders and churches across the UK and Ireland.

Earlier today, Michelle O'Neill, Sinn Féin Vice President; Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, DUP leader; Alliance leader Naomi Long; UUP leader Doug Beattie and SDLP leader Colum Eastwood issued a joint statement of condemnation.

The political leaders in Northern Ireland said: “We speak for the overwhelming majority of people right across our community who are outraged and sickened by this reprehensible and callous attempted murder.

“The community of Omagh has endured profound suffering, loss and pain in the past which has left a deep trauma, and so this act of violence has left people there rightly angered.

“There is absolutely no tolerance for such attacks by the enemies of our peace.

“Those responsible must be brought to justice.

“This will require the full co-operation of the public whom we call upon to assist police in this attempted murder investigation.

“Together we stand with John’s family and his colleagues in the police service at this time.”

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he was appalled by the “disgraceful shooting of an off-duty police officer in Omagh”.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar condemned the “grotesque act of attempted murder”.

President of Ireland Michael D Higgins said: “The shooting of a police officer in front of his son is something that will be condemned by all those who believe in democracy and the peace that we all need to sustain.

“It is to be welcomed that members of all communities have expressed their revulsion at this act.”