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Police officer shot dead at station in Croydon - latest updates

Jamie Johnson
·24-min read

A "much loved" police sergeant has been shot dead by a man who was being detained at Croydon Custody Centre in the early hours of this morning.

A murder investigation has been launched following the incident in south London, which happened at approximately 02:15am this morning in Windmill Road.

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. It is believed that he shot himself, as police say none of their weapons were discharged.

The Telegraph's Crime Correspondent Martin Evans understands that the suspect may be of Sri Lankan origin.

Met Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick said: "This morning we learnt of the shocking death of a much-loved colleague, a long-serving sergeant in the Metropolitan Police who was working last night in our Croydon custody suite.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick and Home Secretary Priti Patel observe a minute's silence inside the atrium at Scotland Yard - Victoria Jones/PA
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick and Home Secretary Priti Patel observe a minute's silence inside the atrium at Scotland Yard - Victoria Jones/PA

"I have visited and spoken to our officer's partner together with other colleagues. We are giving her the best support we can."

She added: "Early indications are that the suspect shot himself. This has not yet been established as fact. The man remains in a critical condition in hospital.

"I understand that there is considerable interest in the identity of the officer but we have not yet been able to inform all of his close family."

Leroy Logan, a former Met superintendent, said there were questions to be answered around the circumstances which led to the shooting.

"How did that person come to be in the station, whether it's in the yard or the building itself, and be able to produce a weapon, whether it's on them at the time?" he told BBC News.

Today, flowers have been left at the scene of the incident, at Croydon Custody Centre and tributes have poured in from across the country.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson sent his “deepest condolences” to the family, friends and colleagues of the police officer adding: “We owe a huge debt to those who risk their own lives to keep us safe.”

Police officers wearing protective face masks, pay their respects outside the Croydon Custody Centre - DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images
Police officers wearing protective face masks, pay their respects outside the Croydon Custody Centre - DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images

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.”

The officer is thought to be the first to be killed in a shooting in the line of duty since Pcs Fiona Bone, 32, and Nicola Hughes, 23, in September 2012.

They were murdered by Dale Cregan in a gun and grenade attack while responding to a report of a burglary in Greater Manchester.

Follow the latest updates here.

04:56 PM

Assaults against Metropolitan Police officers are becoming increasingly violent

Assaults against Metropolitan Police officers are becoming increasingly violent, as well as more frequent, an investigation has found.

This comes as a long-serving sergeant was shot dead at a south London custody suite during the early hours of Friday morning.

The victim died in hospital after the 23-year-old gunman, who was being detained and is also believed to have shot himself, opened fire in the Croydon custody centre.

The number of Met Police officers suffering "serious" injuries after being assaulted increased by 95% over the first three months of lockdown, compared with the same period in 2019, the PA news agency found.

Officers pay their respects - REUTERS/Tom Nicholson 

The Met could not define a "serious" injury, but the Crown Prosecution Service describes the classification as including those which require medical treatment, including bone damage, extensive and severe bruising, cuts requiring suturing and those that result in loss of consciousness.

Figures obtained by PA show that 942 officers in the capital sustained injuries from being assaulted between March 23 and June 23 this year, including 37 who suffered "serious" injuries.

This compares with 793 injured over the same months in 2019, including 19 victims of "serious" injury.

The force saw the 10th largest increase in overall assaults against officers out of the 33 police forces who responded to a freedom of information request.

The trend is echoed nationwide, as the 33 forces recorded 7,899 instances of assault during the three months in 2020, compared with 6,559 in 2019.

04:22 PM

Sadiq Khan on 'heartbreaking' incident

Mr Khan said it was "important not to speculate" on the incident but it was a cause of "great concern".

"That a police officer can be killed in a police station is a source of great concern, not just to police, not just to those of us politicians who are charged with giving the police the tools they need, but everyone," he said.

"One of the reasons that this man was arrested is that the police are bearing down on people who want to commit acts of violence.

"It's a source of not just huge regret and sorrow, but it is heartbreaking that this person has then gone on to kill this officer."

Mr Khan said time was needed to allow the IOPC to conduct its investigation into the incident.

"In the meantime, we're going to make sure we give the police all the support, all the resources, all the kit they need to make sure they are safe when they do their job of keeping us safe," he said.

Mr Khan confirmed that police were reviewing the safety of custody suites, adding there "could well be changes very soon".

04:01 PM

Croydon pays its respects

 

03:51 PM

Security to be reviewed at custody suites

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said that security would be reviewed at all custody suites across London after this terrible incident.

He said the family of the police officer shot dead in Croydon were "in the thoughts and prayers of all Londoners", and that he was doing everything to keep officers "as safe as they possibly can be".

In a statement outside New Scotland Yard, he said: "The whole of London stands with the family and friends and police in London mourning the brutal killing of the police officer.

"I think his family and friends are in the thoughts and prayers of all Londoners now.

"I was really privileged to join the Commissioner, Home Secretary and police officers in the one-minute silence.

"We're doing all we can to keep our brave police officers as safe as they possibly can be.

"Every time a police officer starts his or her shift, they start their shift knowing the risk to their personal safety and it is possible they can lose their life in the line of duty.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the officer's family and friends and I'm sure that all of London and the country stands with them."

03:22 PM

More tributes made in Croydon

Members of the public have been turning up all day to hand over flowers at the centre and pay their respects. The deceased officer was described as "an inspiration" by a friend who knew him from playing rugby together.

Speaking about the fact that his friend died on duty, he said: "It is sad that our force are out in that position. They are just men and women doing a job.

"They are at the front line and on the bad end of it but nobody deserves that."

A police officer moves the floral tributes from outside the Croydon Custody Centre - DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images

The 27 year-old friend, who would only give his name as Paul, said: "We all looked to him - on the field or off the rugby field, he always found a way to gee us up. Losing that is big.

"The man was a machine. He went from training with us last night to come to his shift work here in Croydon. He would do that week in and week out.

"He bought into the whole family atmosphere that we had at the club.

"A few of my team-mates (on hearing about his death) are just not sure how to take it."

The friend, who said the officer was looking forward to retirement, added: "I think he earned his stripes, if you ask me."

03:03 PM

A minute's silence is being held

The Home Secretary Priti Patel, Met Police Commissioner Cressida Dick and London Mayor Sadiq Khan are at New Scotland Yard, while other police officers are observing the silence at the Croydon Custody Centre.

Borough commander Dave Stringer led a minute's silence at 4pm outside the custody centre in Croydon where the officer was shot. Officers came outside the building and stood to attention in the car park and at the front of the building in tribute to their colleague.

Similar tributes were held at stations across the Metropolitan Police area, a spokesman said.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick and Home Secretary Priti Patel observe a minute's silence inside the atrium at Scotland Yard - Victoria Jones/PA Wire

 

02:40 PM

Tributes by other officers

Just before 2pm a dozen uniformed police officers walked silently to the custody centre, laid two large bouquets and bowed their heads as they stood side-by-side in tribute to their colleague.

They left a minute later without saying a word.

A poem pinned to one of the bouquets read:

"Time to come home dear brother

Your tour of duty through

You have given as much as anyone could be expected to do

Just a few steps further the smoke will start to clear

Others here will guide you

You have no need of fear

You have not failed your brothers

You clearly gave it all

And through your selfless actions

Others will hear the call

Secure your place of honour

Among those who have gone before

And know you will be remembered

For now and evermore."

Police officers bring floral tributes to the Croydon Custody Centre in south London  - DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images

 

01:13 PM

Cressida Dick confirms she has spoken to the officer's partner

Met Commissioner Cressida Dick said: "This morning we learned of the shocking death of a much-loved colleague, a long-serving sergeant in the Metropolitan Police who was working last night in our Croydon custody suite.

"I have visited and spoken to our officer's partner together with other colleagues, and we are of course giving her the best support we can.

"My heartfelt condolences go to her, to their family, to his colleagues and his close friends.

"I'm thinking also of everyone who was involved in, and those affected by, this terrible event.

"We are all deeply shocked and very sad."

12:51 PM

PC Harper's widow gives a full statement

PC Andrew Harper, 28, from Thames Valley Police was killed on August 15, 2019 after being dragged for more than a mile along a country road by a vehicle travelling up to 40mph. He was investigating a burglary report when he became entangled in a tow rope.

Lissie Harper, his widow said today: “This is devastating news. No person should go to work never to return. No human being should be stripped of their life in a barbaric act of crime.

Lisse and Andrew Harper - Mark Lord, Photography

“Another hero has been taken from us in unwarranted violence. They protect us but who protects them? Another life is gone in a disgraceful act that reminds us of the danger our police officers face with every shift they begin.

“My heart is broken for yet another member of our blue line family, and all of his family, friends and colleagues who must now accept a life without him in it.

“My thoughts and love are resolutely with them.”

12:26 PM

Cressida Dick has made a statement

The Metropolitan Police Commissioner said that officers were at several crime scenes in order to secure evidence.

The man suspected of killing the officer remains in a critical condition, and the indications are that he shot himself.

She said that she could not name the officer who was shot as they have not been able to contact all of his close family.

12:00 PM

Priti Patel speaks out

Speaking at the Home Office, Home Secretary Priti Patel said: "I'm deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic killing of the officer in Croydon overnight.

"All our thoughts are with the officer's family, friends and colleagues across the Metropolitan Police force, but also policing family across the country.

Priti Patel - Chris J. Ratcliffe/Bloomberg

"This is a sad day for our country as once again we see the tragic killing of a police officer in the line of duty as they're trying to protect us and keep us safe.

"Later on today I'll be meeting with the Metropolitan Police Commissioner to discuss the investigation that is currently taking place and, of course, the Metropolitan Police Service now need the time and the space to get on with the inquiry that now needs to follow."

11:38 AM

PC Harper's widow speaks out

Lissie Harper, the widow of Pc Andrew Harper, who was killed on duty last year, said the death of a Metropolitan Police officer was "utterly devastating".

She shared a Facebook post with the news, adding: "What is happening to our world."

10:39 AM

'How did this happen?'

Leroy Logan, a former Metropolitan Police superintendent, said there were a number of questions to be answered around the circumstances which led to the shooting of an officer at a police station.

He told BBC News: "The first thing you want to know is how did this happen?

"How did that person come to be in the station whether it's in the yard or the building itself and be able to produce a weapon, whether it's on them at the time.

"It depends on the calibre of the weapon, because obviously if it's a small weapon and it can be easily in that person's clothing, then obviously it brings another question on how thoroughly that person was searched, if at all.

"Those are the things the department for professional standards will look at and the Independent Office for Police Conduct as well as the investigating officers who will have to look at this thing thoroughly.

"Because there's a lot of learning and obviously there's a lot of pain for the family and friends and colleagues of that officer who has fallen in the line of duty."

10:13 AM

Yvette Cooper pays tribute

Yvette Cooper, chair of the Commons Home Affairs Committee, said: "It is truly awful news that a brave police officer has been killed.

"My thoughts and deep sympathies go out to the family, friends and colleagues of this brave officer - and also to everyone in policing who will be feeling this loss deeply.

"Every day our police put themselves in harm's way to keep us all safe - it is devastating for this to happen to someone working to protect others".

Yvette Cooper - REUTERS/Andrew Boyers

 

09:45 AM

Police watchdog's investigators at the scene

The Independent Office for Police Conduct regional director Sal Naseem said the watchdog's investigators were at the scene of the shooting.

He said: "Our deepest sympathies go out to all those affected by this terrible event. We were notified by the MPS of the shooting incident at Croydon Custody Centre early this morning.

"We understand a police officer has since sadly died and a man is in a critical condition in hospital. A murder investigation by the force is under way. Our investigators are at the scene and police post incident procedure to begin our independent enquiries."

Meanwhile, a number of policing colleagues have changed their social media profile pictures to black, with a blue line, as a mark of respect to the officer who was shot dead inside a south London station.

09:29 AM

National Police Chiefs Council statement

Speaking following the death of a police officer in London the National Police Chiefs’ Council Chair Martin Hewitt said:

“This is a truly terrible incident and my thoughts and condolences go out to the officer, his family, friends and colleagues at what is a deeply distressing time.

Chair of the National Police Chief's Council Martin Hewitt in Downing Street earlier this year - Dominic Lipinski/PA

“It is another tragic reminder of the risks police officers take on a daily basis to keep the public safe.

“Policing is a family and I join my colleagues across the country in mourning the senseless death of one of our own in the line of duty.”

09:24 AM

'We will get to the bottom of what happened'

Croydon Central MP and shadow policing minister Sarah Jones told Times Radio: "It's absolutely devastating.

"I just feel so sorry for the family of the officer who has been shot dead and so sorry for the community of our police in Croydon who are obviously a family of people who work together every day, who put themselves out in danger every day, drive into danger and are a really close family and they are going to be absolutely devastated and I'm just so sorry.

"Of course there are going to be questions asked about what happened... and we'll get to the bottom of what happened and why. But today, it's an absolute tragedy and not something you ever think is going to happen."

09:19 AM

The House of Commons is updated

Policing 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.

"May he rest in peace and may justice follow this heinous crime."

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle added: "It is shocking news. This should never happen to the people that protect us and make us safe. All our thoughts and prayers go with the family and friends and the police community."

09:17 AM

Telegraph reporters on the ground

The Telegraph's Victoria Ward and Jessica Carpani are in Croydon.

"On Friday, six officers stood outside the custody centre where a colleague was shot in the early hours," they write.

"A single bouquet of flowers rested on a concrete slab in front of the glass doors. 

"Two helicopters circled above the growing crowd of broadcast press."

Croydon Custody Centre this morning - REUTERS/Hannah McKay

09:11 AM

Support from Police Federation

Ken Marsh, Chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, said: “The murder of a colleague on duty is utterly devastating news. Officers across London are in shock and sick to their stomachs at the nature of his death.

“All our thoughts - and that of all our members - are with his family, friends and close colleagues at this time. We and all members of the Police Family across the country are all utterly heartbroken at this news.”

Ken added: “Officers put themselves in danger every day to protect the public. Sadly, on very rare occasions officers make the ultimate sacrifice whilst fulfilling their role. When that happens we will ensure their bravery and sacrifice is never forgotten.

“Colleagues involved in the incident will have our full support for as long as is needed.”

09:08 AM

Flowers laid at the scene

Flowers have been left in tribute to the police officer who was killed in the early hours of this morning.

Flowers left outside Croydon Custody Centre - Aaron Chown/PA

 Forensic officers have been spotted at the scene and a murder investigation is under way.

The scene at Croydon Custody Centre this morning  - Aaron Chown/PA 

 The Sky News helicopter is above the station, which has been cordoned off.

Croydon Custody Centre  - Sky News

09:00 AM

A first responder tweets

One of the first police responders said he witnessed scenes he will never forget.

08:55 AM

Prime Minister sends condolences

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has sent his “deepest condolences” to the family, friends and colleagues of a police officer who died after being shot in Croydon, adding: “We owe a huge debt to those who risk their own lives to keep us safe.”

08:53 AM

Suspect of 'Sri Lankan origin'

The Telegraph's Crime Correspondent Martin Evans understands that the suspect may be of Sri Lankan origin.

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.

08:51 AM

What we know so far

A police officer has been shot dead by a man who was being detained at Croydon Custody Centre in south London in the early hours of this morning,

Officers and paramedics treated him at the scene and he was taken to hospital, but he died overnight.

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, the Met said.

08:39 AM

Labour Leader says incident is 'horrific'

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: "Horrific to hear of a police officer being shot and killed in Croydon.

"Our police put themselves in harm's way every day to keep us safe.

"All my thoughts are with the officer's family, friends and colleagues."

Sir Keir Starmer -  PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images

08:35 AM

More tributes paid to the police officer

Justice Secretary Robert Buckland tweeted he was "shocked and saddened" by the news.

He said: "My thoughts are with the officer's loved ones, colleagues and the wider police community."

Steve Reed, Labour MP for Croydon North, said his thoughts were with the officer's family and colleagues.

He tweeted: "All of us in Croydon are in shock at this heartbreaking tragic news."

Sian Berry, Green candidate for Mayor of London added: "This is shocking and really sad news. Our public servants take risks every day on our behalf, but this kind of incident should not come with anyone’s job. No-one should lose their life at work."

08:30 AM

Statement from Sadiq Khan

“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.

“My thoughts are also with his loved ones, friends and the entire Metropolitan Police family, who I know will be deeply mourning their colleague at this extremely difficult time.

Sadiq Khan  - Victoria Jones/PA

“Tragic incidents like this are terrible reminders  of the dangers our police officers face every single day they go into work to keep Londoners safe. They are the very best of us, and I remain in close contact with the Commissioner to offer her and the Met my ongoing support.”

08:19 AM

Support from other forces

Police Scotland's chief has sent a message of condolence.

 Leicestershire Police said: "The thoughts of everyone at Leicestershire Police are with you all at this tragic time. RIP."

Avon and Somerset Police said: "This is a very sad day for British policing."

08:09 AM

MP and Mayor shocked by shooting

Our Home Affairs Editor Charles Hymas has spoken to a source close to Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London.

“Sadiq was informed this morning by the commissioner," they said. “His heart goes out to the family of this brave officer. He has paid the ultimate price for doing his duty and keeping London safe.”  

Sarah Jones, the local MP says it is "absolutely shocking".

 

08:05 AM

The Home Secretary sends her condolences

“I am deeply shocked and saddened to learn that a Metropolitan Police Officer has been shot and killed in the line of duty," said Priti Patel.

“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.”

08:01 AM

Commissioner Cressida Dick has branded the incident 'truly shocking'

The Metropolitan Police Commissioner: “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.

Cressida Dick - REUTERS/Simon Dawson

“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."

We have referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct who will lead an independent investigation. The MPS retain primacy of the murder investigation.

07:56 AM

A 23-year-old man has been detained at the scene

Officers and paramedics treated him at the scene and he was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service. Very tragically he subsequently died at hospital.

We are in the process of informing all of the officer’s family and are supporting them with specialist officers.

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.