UUP Leader Doug Beattie MC MLA said:

“The attempted murder of DCI John Caldwell is a reminder of the evil that still lurks in the shadows in our society.  This officer was targeted while serving his community even when off-duty coaching a local football team.  To shoot John in front of his child and other children is barbaric.

“News that the PSNI are pursuing a line of inquiry that the New IRA may be responsible harks back to dark days.  These are regressive elements of our society who still have not got the message that they and their murderous, hate-filled agenda have been rejected.

“Those responsible are pathetic, they are a minority and they do not represent the majority of people in Northern Ireland who want peace.  They must be rooted out and sent to prison for a very long time.”