Gunmen shot Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell in front of his young son in the attack at a sports complex in Omagh, Co Tyrone, on Wednesday evening.
Mr Caldwell ran a short distance and fell to the ground where the attackers continued to fire at him as children ran in terror to get to safety, police have said.
Mr Caldwell remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital after the attack at the Youth Sports Centre.
At a press conference in Belfast, PSNI chief constable Simon Byrne said: "This morning we have arrested three men aged 38, 45 and 47 in Omagh and Coalisland in connection with John's attempted murder.
This story is from the February 24, 2023 edition of Manchester Evening News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 24, 2023 edition of Manchester Evening News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Eriksen confirms no talks with Reds over new contract
CHRISTIAN Eriksen has confirmed he has not held talks with United over a new deal.
ONE OF CLUB'S BEST SIGNINGS
ONE of the best signings of the City era is leaving.
SALE SET PACE FOR DERBY WIN
SALE'S league-leading set piece earned them a ruthless 43-10 win over Newcastle Falcons in the Northern derby.
PM keen to harness identities of regions
THE Council of the Nations and Regions has moved the UK \"a long way down the road\" towards more jobs and investment, the Prime Minister has said.
Peacekeepers hit again
THE United Nations peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon has said new explosions hit its headquarters yesterday morning, injuring two peacekeepers, a day after Israeli forces struck the same position.
Life for killer who hid her dead parents
AN \"INTELLIGENT manipulator\" who murdered her parents then lived alongside their bodies for four years while spending their money has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 36 years.
No cash to fix 'decrepit' Strangeways
PRISON GOVERNORS' ASSOCIATION SAYS JAIL STAFF NEED 'MASSIVE INVESTMENT' TO TACKLE FAILING INFRASTRUCTURE AND ORGANISED CRIME GROUPS
First new buzz route restores missing link
BUSES between Wigan and the Trafford Centre will double to run every 30 minutes instead of an hour later this month, it's been revealed.
Council's £200k winter fuel boost for pensioners
THE creation of a new fund of £200,000 to support local pensioners hit by the winter fuel payment cuts has been passed by Bolton council.
Rivals rubbish £45 charge for collecting garden waste
PLANS SLAMMED AS 'TAX ON POOR AND VULNERABLE'
