Officers have paid tribute to the police sergeant who was shot and killed this morning after a suspect pulled out a gun as he was being booked into custody.
The Met has not released the name of the officer who was murdered, but many of his colleagues have paid tribute to him following the tragic news of his death. It is understood that the officer was coming up to 30 years of service and was due to retire soon.
One officer, who responded to the incident, said:
‘This morning, my team and I responded to the worst possible radio transmission from custody.
‘Words and scenes I shall never forget.
‘The unimaginable happened to our police family. We have lost not only a good skipper but also a real gentleman.
‘One of the best. RIP, brother’.
Another added:
‘Hard to put into words.
‘All I can say is that I lost a friend today and know many more friends did everything they could. Devastated. I’m thinking of everyone affected’.
Another officer said:
“I’m absolutely gutted. A gentle giant who never had a bad word to say about anyone and who looked after me in many situations”.
Inspector Richard Barnes said:
“It was a privilege to have worked with him and known him over so many years.
“He was hard working, professional and an inspiration to all who knew him.
“He was was one of a kind and will be deeply missed. Rest in peace my friend”.
Colleagues, members of the public and supporters of the emergency services have started to lay flowers outside of Croydon Custody Suite.
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