23-02-23, 05:45
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Off-Duty Police Officer Shot at Sports Centre in Northern Ireland
Omagh: Off-Duty Police Officer Shot at Sports Centre
An off-duty police officer is in a critical but stable condition after being shot at a sports complex in Omagh, County Tyrone.
BBC 23 FEB 2023
There are unconfirmed reports that he was hit multiple times on the Killyclogher Road at about 20:00 GMT.
The Police Federation for Northern Ireland said two gunmen were involved and he was shot while he coached young people playing football.
Rishi Sunak said he was "appalled by the disgraceful shooting".
"There is no place in our society for those who seek to harm public servants protecting communities," said the prime minister.
Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Chief Constable Simon Byrne said he was "shocked and saddened" by the events.
"We will relentlessly pursue those responsible," he tweeted.
The victim is being treated at Altnagelvin Area Hospital in Londonderry.
'Chaotic scene'
Police forensic officers are carrying out an examination of the grounds of the sports facility where the off-duty officer was shot.
Local politicians who arrived shortly after the gun attack say it was a chaotic scene as parents arrived to pick up children from training.
They say it was very busy this evening with a number of different sports groups using the facility.
The complex has been sealed off while police commence their investigation.
A number of cars remain in the car park, within the police cordon, with the entire complex now a crime scene.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said it received a call about the shooting at Youth Sport Omagh at 20:00 GMT and sent a crew.
'Chilling attack'
Sinn Féin deputy leader Michelle O'Neill said it was an "outrageous and shameful attack" and added: "I unreservedly condemn this reprehensible attempt to murder a police officer."
Democratic Unionist leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson condemned the "cowards responsible for this".
Former justice minister and Alliance leader Naomi Long said her thoughts were with those affected by this "evil act of cowardice".
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood, MP, said it was a "chilling attack on an individual serving his community".
Ulster Unionist assembly member Tom Elliott said it was a "despicable and cowardly action".
The Northern Ireland Secretary, Chris Heaton-Harris, said that "those responsible for such horror must be brought to justice".
Taoiseach (Irish PM) Leo Vardakar said he condemned the "grotesque act of attempted murder".
The Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, said he was "shocked and appalled" by the shooting.
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