A police officer has been shot dead at Croydon Police Station by a man who was being detained.
The police sergeant was shot at the Croydon Custody Centre in Windmill Lane, south London, before the suspect then turned the gun on themselves just after 2am on Friday, September 25.
Paramedics and officers treated the officer at the scene and he was rushed to hospital where he tragically died of gunshot wounds.
The Met Police said the 23-year-old murder suspect was detained at the scene and was also taken to hospital with a gunshot wound where he remains in a critical condition, police said.
>> FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK GROUP FOR ALL THE LATEST CRIME NEWS
The force said no police firearms were discharged during the incident.
Today we lost an honorable, brave and dedicated family member.
— Croydon MPS (@MPSCroydon) September 25, 2020
Our hearts are with the officers immediate family at this time following this devastating loss.https://t.co/wNq1ZSeo0E
It is not yet known why the suspect was arrested, or how the gun was not identified.
Met 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.
"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."
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."
I’m devastated by the news a Metropolitan Police Officer has lost his life.
— Mayor of London (gov.uk/coronavirus) (@MayorofLondon) September 25, 2020
My statement on the horrific incident in Croydon. pic.twitter.com/KfaUlMYoCH
The incident has been referred to Independent Office for Police Conduct watchdog which will lead an independent investigation. The Met continues to investigate the officer's murder.
The officer's family are being told.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson was among those who reacted to the news on Friday morning, tweeting: "My deepest condolences go to the family, friends and colleagues of the police officer who was killed in Croydon last night.
"We owe a huge debt to those who risk their own lives to keep us safe."
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: "I am devastated by the news a Metropolitan Police officer has lost his life.
"I was informed of this tragic incident by the Commissioner this morning, and my heart goes out to the family of this brave officer, who has paid the ultimate price for helping to keep Londoners safe."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel