Croydon police shooting: Hampshire chief constable says officer's murder is 'worst of days'
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The Metropolitan Police said the officer died in hospital after being shot by the man at Croydon custody centre in south London during the early hours of Friday.
A 23-year-old man detained at the scene was also taken to hospital with a gunshot wound and remains in a critical condition, police said. A murder investigation is under way.
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Hide AdTributes have poured in as the death reverberates around police forces across the country.
Waterlooville police today held a minute’s silence after the officer’s death.
Chief constable Olivia Pinkney, who leads Hampshire’s force, tweeted: ‘All the thoughts of @HantsPolice police family are with @metpoliceuk at this tragic time. The worst of days.’
‘Can’t believe what I’m hearing’
Zoe Wakefield, Hampshire Police Federation chair who represents rank-and-file officers, added: ‘Can’t believe what I am hearing has happened in London this morning.
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Hide Ad‘Thoughts with the officer’s family, friends and colleagues.’
The London force said no police firearms were discharged during the incident.
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.
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Hide Ad‘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.’
Politicians react with shock
The officer’s death has shocked politicians, with tributes being led by prime minister Boris Johnson.
He 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.’
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Hide AdPolicing minister Kit Malthouse updated MPs about the officer’s death, adding: ‘May justice follow this heinous crime.’
Raising a point of order in the House of Commons, Mr Malthouse said: ‘We ask our police officers to do an extraordinary job.
‘The fact that one of them has fallen in the line of performing that duty is a tragedy for the entire nation.
‘I know the entire House will offer their condolences to his family and friends and colleagues.
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Hide Ad‘May he rest in peace and may justice follow this heinous crime.’
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan tweeted: ‘Devastated by this news.
‘My heart goes out to the family of this brave officer, who has paid the ultimate price for helping to keep Londoners safe.’