The getaway car that was believed to have been used by two gunmen after the shooting of Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell was found burnt out near Omagh, Co Tyrone.
The vehicle was left at the side of the Racolpa Road.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark McEwan told BBC News NI said: "We believe the gunmen made off in small dark car. It was later found burnt out at Racolpy Road just outside Omagh."
Detective Caldwell was shot several times in front of young people he had been coaching last night. The off-duty officer was targeted at Youth Sport Omagh at Killyclogher, near Omagh. He had been training a youth football team at the time.
Assistant Chief Constable McEwan said his colleague's condition is critical but stable.
He said the off-duty detective was putting footballs in the back of his car and was with his son, when he was shot multiple times by two gunmen.
He ran a short way before falling and being shot again.
Omagh Harriers Athletic Club and Carrickmore Ladies GAA team were also training at the facility when the shooting took place.
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The "primary focus" of the police investigation is on violent dissident republicans, Assistant Chief Constable Mark McEwan told the BBC.
"There is a primary focus as well on the New IRA," he added.
"The investigation is at an early stage, we are keeping an open mind."
Assistant Chief Constable McEwan paid tribute to a “brave” member of the public who ran towards Detective Caldwell during the attack and administered first aid.
Northern Ireland’s political leaders issued a joint statement condemning the shooting.
Sinn Féin vice president Michelle O’Neill, DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, Alliance leader Naomi Long, UUP leader Doug Beattie and SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said they stand united in outright condemnation of the attack.
“We speak for the overwhelming majority of people right across our community who are outraged and sickened by this reprehensible and callous attempted murder,” they said.
“The community of Omagh has endured profound suffering, loss, and pain in the past which has left a deep trauma, and so this act of violence has left people there rightly angered.
“There is absolutely no tolerance for such attacks by the enemies of our peace.
“Those responsible must be brought to justice.
“This will require the full co-operation of the public whom we call upon to assist police in this attempted murder investigation.
“Together we stand with John’s family and his colleagues in the police service at this time.”
