Chief Constable provides update on attempted murder of Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell investigation

Welcome today and thank you for coming to what is a hugely important and symbolic moment for policing and for this investigation.

We do not under estimate from the point of view of the police service how important it is that we are joined today in an act of unity from all the political parties across Northern Ireland.  Clearly we know from what we have done so far and from commentary from across the community and the political spectrum that the sheer sense of outrage at this pointless and senseless attack on Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell.

John remains in hospital where he is critically ill and heavily sedated.

We have arrested a further man overnight in relation to this investigation.  He is now in custody and being questioned by detectives.

Since we spoke yesterday last night I had the chance to speak to John’s wife and his son.  They are clearly heavily affected by what they have gone through but want to pass on their thanks both to the people who rendered first aid and care at the scene but also in terms the outpouring of support across the community in relation to this awful outrage.

Today we have had a chance to talk to political leaders about the pace and context of this investigation, what it means for policing and what we sense will happen in the next few days.  We echo our thanks because it has rippled through the organisation about how important it is that we are joined by the political leaders today in this unique time to show we stand together and call out this outrage for what it is.