The group calling itself the New IRA has claimed responsibility for the attempted murder of police officer John Caldwell in Omagh last week.

The group made the claim in a typed statement bearing the name ‘T O’Neill’, which has been used by the dissident republican group in the past.

The statement was erected on a wall in Derry.

The New IRA have claimed responsibility for the attempted murder of Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell in Omagh last week.

A typed statement has appeared on a wall in Derry signed by ‘T O’Neill’, (a name used by the dissident republican group in the past) pic.twitter.com/5Aglh8SQwa

— Barry Whyte (@BarryWhyte85) February 27, 2023

“The Irish Republican Army claim responsibility for the military operation targeting senior Crown Force member, John Caldwell,” it reads.

“An active service unit of the IRA were in position to target the enemy within our chosen kill zone with other armed volunteers giving cover”.

“Irish Republican Army intelligence are now in possession of security information regarding the out of bounds movement of Crown Force personnel”.

“We would say this, you will still have to try to live a normal family life day-to-day; one of those days the IRA will be waiting”.

Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell. Picture by: PA Images / Alamy

PSNI Detective Chief Inspector Caldwell remains in critical condition in hospital after the attack outside a junior football training session last week.

The attack saw two gunmen shooting the 48-year-old several times in front of his young son.

Six people have been arrested in connection with the attack and remain in custody.

The youngest is 22 and the oldest is aged 71.

With reporting from Barry Whyte.