Police have released more CCTV footage of the car used by the gunmen involved in the attempted murder of DCI John Caldwell in Omagh last month.
The registration number of the blue Ford Fiesta was MGZ 6242 but police say it was fitted with false plates reading FRZ 8414 before the attack at a sports centre on February 22.
The car was recorded travelling into Coalisland at around 10pm on the night of February 21.
The footage shows the vehicle leaving the scene of the attack.
Police revealed today they believe a second Ford Fiesta was also used in the attack.
Detective Chief Superintendent Eamonn Corrigan said: “It is now two weeks to the day since this horrific attack took place and we are working relentlessly to bring those responsible to justice.
“I am now in a position to say that I believe a second Ford Fiesta was used in the attempted murder of DCI Caldwell. It is also a blue Ford Fiesta of a similar model. This second car had registration number RLZ 9805 and was bought in Glengormley towards the end of January. I believe this car travelled to Belfast around this date.
“It was then driven from Belfast at approximately 1pm on Wednesday 22 February – the day of the attack on John – and travelled along the M1 in the direction of Coalisland and Omagh. It was found burnt out in the Ardboe Industrial Estate the following day, Thursday 23 February. I would like to know where it was stored and its movements during this period of time.
“Today I am releasing new CCTV footage of the first blue Ford Fiesta as it travels into Coalisland at around 10pm on the night of the 21st. It had registration number MGZ 6242, and was fitted with false plates, FRZ 8414, prior to the attack.
“Previous CCTV footage issued shows this blue Ford Fiesta leaving the sports complex and turning left onto the Killyclogher Road immediately after the shooting. We then know it travelled past Glendale Service Station to the Racolpa Road where it was abandoned and set on fire.
“We have established that this first blue Ford Fiesta was purchased in Ballyclare on Wednesday 8 February and was observed travelling towards Belfast on the M2 Motorway that night. It was next noted leaving Belfast at around 9.30pm on Tuesday 21 February - the night before the attack on John – and travelled along the M1 Motorway into Coalisland at around 10pm.
“My appeal today is for anyone who knows where either of these two cars were kept prior to the shooting or has knowledge of their movements on the day of the shooting to come forward.
“I am also appealing for anyone who observed anything suspicious in the Racolpa Road area of Omagh on the night of the shooting and in Ardboe the following night, Thursday 23 February. Did you see anyone or any vehicles in these areas? Did you observe any vehicles driving away at speed?”
DCI Caldwell, who remains critical but stable in hospital, was shot in front of his young son by two gunmen around 8pm on Wednesday February 28 as he packed up after coaching a youth football team.
Mr Corrigan said: “John was shot multiple times and, when he fell to the ground, the gunmen continued to fire at him. This cowardly attempt to take a life took place in the midst of terrified children and parents, and, disturbingly, in front of John’s young son. Any number of adults or children could easily have been seriously injured or killed.
“I am asking you to stop and imagine, for just one second, how you would feel if this happened to your loved one. And I’m asking you to search your conscience and come forward with any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem.”
“We will work relentlessly to bring those responsible to justice. We continue to views hours of CCTV, have conducted a number of searches, carried out extensive house-to-house enquiries and have spoken with pedestrians, drivers and passengers during a scene revisit last week.
“We have arrested eight men, aged between 22 and 71. All have since been released following questioning, and our investigation continues.
“We continue to treat this as terrorist-related and our primary line of enquiry is it has been carried out by the New IRA.”
The Crimestoppers charity has also today announced an increased reward of £150,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved in the attempted murder of the senior police officer.
Police believe the dissident republican New IRA carried out the shooting.
A claim of responsibility by the New IRA, which calls itself the 'IRA', was later posted on a wall in Derry.
Credible 'IRA' sources has rejected claims that the organisation had teamed up with a Tyrone based crime gang with loyalist connections to carry out the attack on Mr Caldwell.
Around 10 rounds were fired at the detective chief inspector by two gunmen after a youth soccer training session on February 22.
It has been reported that he was struck four times.
To date, eight men have been arrested and subsequently released.
