UK police officer shot dead in south London

A British police officer has been shot dead in the early hours of Friday by a man in police custody at Croydon Custody Centre in Windmill Lane, in South London.

The officer was treated at the police station by officers and paramedics but died later in hospital. A 23-year-old man was detained by officers at the scene and taken to hospital with a gunshot wound. He was reported to be in a critical condition.

The London Metropolitan Police said no police firearm was discharged during the incident and a murder investigation had been launched into the death of the officer.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) will launch a separate independent investigation.

"This is a truly shocking incident in which one of our colleagues has lost his life in the most tragic circumstances," London Metropolitan Police commissioner Cressida Dick said. "My heart goes out to his family, direct colleagues and friends."

"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," reportedly said UK interior minister Priti Patel.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted: "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."

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he was 'devastated' by the death of the officer who had "paid the ultimate price for helping to keep Londoners safe."

Source(s): Reuters