A detective who was gunned down in front of young children has thanked the 'brave' people who saved his life.
DCI John Caldwell was loading footballs into the boot of his car with his son following a youth team training session when he was shot in the horror ambush in Omagh, Northern Ireland, back in February.
The widely condemned attack at a local sports centre left the then 48-year-old fighting for his life, with a member from dissident republican group The New IRA later claiming responsibility.
Fifteen people have been arrested so far in connection with the incident.
In emotional scenes on Friday night, the policeman was given a standing ovation as he was presented with the Special Recognition gong at the Sunday Life Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards.
Image of car used in terror shooting of cop released as hunt continuesSpeaking in public for the first time since the attack, Mr Caldwell told of his gratitude to those who raced over to help in the immediate aftermath.
He said: "To the brave people who ran to help me when I was shot, that took some guts, as they were putting themselves in harm's way. And thank you to the emergency services and the amazing medical staff who looked after me in many ways, for many months.
"A special thank you goes to my fantastic family... there's still some way to go, but with their love and support, I will get there."
The award was presented via videolink by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who visited Mr Caldwell in hospital following the attack. He described Mr Caldwell as a" man who, when his own life was in danger, was still thinking of others - calling out to the children around him to run to safety."
In his speech, Mr Caldwell gave a special mention to his family for helping him through his recovery, and spoke of his regret that his son and other children were around when the violence broke out.
He said: "I am just sorry that these innocent children, including my own son, were subjected to such a harrowing ordeal,"
"They witnessed horrors that night that no child should ever have to.
"I am so glad that my son and his friends were not injured, although I appreciate the early psychological trauma will take longer to recover from. We will get through it together.
"They are a great bunch of kids and I am humbled by their nomination."
Concerns over dissident gun violence in Northern Ireland were reignited in February after a message was pasted from a self-styled 'IRA' group claiming alleged responsibility for the attempt on Mr Caldwell's life.
Seven men charged with attempted murder in the shooting Omagh police officerThe message, which appeared on a wall in Derry-Londonderry before being shared online, was signed off "T O'Neill" - a signature synonymous with dissident republican paramilitaries.
Hundreds of people gathered in protests to demand an end to paramilitary attacks, while leaders from all sides of the political divide in Northern Ireland and the mainland UK spoke to condemn the incident.