Gunman shoots police officer dead at Croydon HQ
Arrested suspect, 23, shoots police sergeant DEAD inside Croydon custody centre then turns gun on himself – but survives – after officers failed to find firearm during search
- Detective was shot at 2.15am today by man at Croydon custody centre in London
- Officers and paramedics treated officer at the scene but he later died in hospital
- First time a police officer has been shot and killed on duty since September 2012
A Metropolitan Police custody sergeant was shot dead at a police station in the early hours of today by a suspect who turned the gun on himself but is still alive.
The sergeant was shot at 2.15am this morning by the man who was allegedly being detained for possession of ammunition at Croydon custody centre in South London.
Officers and London Ambulance Service paramedics treated the unnamed officer at the scene before he was taken to hospital where he later died.
It is believed to be the first time a police officer has been shot and killed on duty since September 2012 when Dale Cregan killed PCs Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone.
The man was being detained at Croydon custody centre in South London (file picture)
Detectives said a 23-year-old man was arrested by officers at the scene and taken to hospital with a gunshot wound, where he remains in a critical condition.
Scotland Yard said no police firearms were discharged, and they were informing the officer’s relatives and supporting them with specialist officers.
Commissioner Cressida Dick said: ‘This is a truly shocking incident in which one of our colleagues has lost his life in the most tragic circumstances. My heart goes out to his family, direct colleagues and friends.
‘We are currently supporting his family and also have a dedicated team providing support to the officers and those in the custody centre who witnessed the shooting.
It is believed to be the first time a police officer has been shot and killed on duty since September 2012 when Dale Cregan killed PCs Fiona Bone (left) and Nicola Hughes (right)
‘When a colleague dies in the line of duty the shockwaves and sadness reverberates throughout the Met and our communities.
‘Policing is a family, within London and nationally, and we will all deeply mourn our colleague.
‘We are in the early stages of the investigation and are still working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and we will provide further updates when we have them.’
Scotland Yard said it had referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct which will lead an independent investigation.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said: ‘I am deeply shocked and saddened to learn that a Metropolitan Police Officer has been shot and killed in the line of duty.
‘My thoughts today are with his family, friends and policing colleagues in London and across the country.
‘This morning I spoke to Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick to express my condolences and to offer whatever support is needed as this tragic event is investigated.
‘This is a sad day for our country and another terrible reminder of how our police officers put themselves in danger each and every day to keep the rest of us safe.’
