Chief Constable sends condolences to ‘Met’ colleagues and ‘people of London’

Police Scotland’s Chief Constable has sent his condolences to colleagues in the Metropolitan Police and the people of London after an officer was shot dead at the Croydon Custody Centre in the south of the city.

A murder investigation has been launched after the incident which occurred at 2.15am this morning in Windmill Lane, London.

Chief Constable Iain Livingstone

Colleagues and paramedics treated the officer at the scene and he was taken to hospital by ambulance but sadly died shortly afterwards.

A 23-year-old man was detained at the scene. He was also taken to hospital with a gunshot wound which is believed to have been self-inflicted and he remains in a critical condition.

The Chief Constable of Police Scotland Iain Livingstone described the shooting as “tragic”.

He tweeted: “Deepest sympathy and full support from policing in Scotland to our Met colleagues and friends and the people of London.”

Scotland’s Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf tweeted: “Simply awful news.

“My heart goes out to family & friends of the Officer killed, and to wider Police family, all of them will be feeling this tragic loss.

The 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.”

Home Secretary Priti Patel said it is a “sad day” for the country.

She added: “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.”