South Yorkshire Police send condolences after officer is shot dead at station

A murder probe was launched in the early hours of this morning after an officer was killed by a man being detained at a police station in Croydon, south London.

South Yorkshire Police said: “From us all here at South Yorkshire Police, our thoughts are with the officer's friends, family and loved ones at this difficult time, as well as his colleagues and wider family at Metropolitan Police.”

The Met said the police officer was treated for gunshot wounds by colleagues and paramedics and was taken to hospital but later died.

A 23-year-old man was detained by officers at the scene.

He was also taken to hospital with a gunshot wound and remains in a critical condition.

No police firearms were discharged during the incident.

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.”

The National Police Chiefs’ Council tweeted: “There are no words to adequately describe this tragic and deeply upsetting event.

“Our sincere condolences go to the officer’s family, friends and wider Met Police colleagues. This is a sad day.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “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.”