Police officer shot dead at Croydon Custody Centre

A police officer has been shot dead at Croydon Custody Centre in south London.

The male officer was shot in the chest when a man, who was being detained, produced a weapon during a search. The suspect then turned the gun on himself.

The officer was treated at the scene overnight but died in hospital. A 23-year-old man is in a critical condition after being treated for gunshot wounds.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said “We owe a huge debt to those who risk their own lives to keep us safe.”

In a post on social media he also said: “My deepest condolences go to the family, friends and colleagues of the police officer who was killed in Croydon last night.”

The suspect has been arrested on suspicion of murdering the officer, who is believed to have been a few weeks away from retirement.

No police firearms were discharged during the incident at about 02:15 BST at the Windmill Road centre, the Met Police said. The officer’s family are being supported by specialist officers.

Asked about how someone could enter the building while armed, Leroy Logan, a former Met Police superintendent, said: “It depends if that person was arrested outside the police station and has been transported in a vehicle.

“There are circumstances where someone might turn up at the custody suite area itself and be led straight through.

“So not knowing all the details – how this person got into the secure area of the station or whether it’s outside the building or in the yard – we just need time to try and find out what has happened, because the details are very scant at the moment.”

Yogarajah Emmanuel, 43, who runs a shop opposite the custody suite, said he woke up at 02:30 BST to the sound of sirens.

“I looked out of my window and could see three ambulances,” said Mr Emmanuel.

Source: BBC