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Investigators are trying to establish how a police officer was shot dead inside a police station by a suspect who had his hands handcuffed behind his back and who is believed to have been known to the government’s anti-extremism program.
The longtime sergeant, who was said to be close to retirement, died after the attacker opened fire at the Croydon custody center in south London in the early hours of Friday.
The 23-year-old suspect is believed to have shot himself and remained seriously ill in the hospital Friday night.
The Guardian understands that the suspect, who is believed to have Sri Lankan heritage, had been searched by officers outside the police station, and ammunition and cannabis were found on him.
On Friday night, the Independent Office of Police Conduct, which is investigating, said: “What we have established is that the man was arrested for possession of Class B drugs with the intent to supply and possess ammunition. The man was handcuffed in the rear before being transported to the Croydon custody room in a police vehicle where he was escorted to the building.
“His handcuffs remained in place as officers prepared to search him using a metal detector. It is at the time the shots were fired that resulted in fatal injuries to the officer and critical injuries to the man. A non-police firearm, which appears to be a revolver, has been recovered from the scene. More ballistic work will be required. “
The suspect was already known to Channel, a branch of the government’s Prevent scheme that tries to prevent people from radicalizing, although it is understood that the incident is not being treated as terrorism-related.
The suspect had been singled out for concerns about indoctrination from both the right wing and Islam, the sources said, but nothing concerning was found. Mental health is also a consideration in the investigation, and the suspect is understood to have a learning disability, although it has yet to be determined if this was a factor.
Scotland Yard said no police firearms were fired during the incident at around 2.15am. A murder investigation has been launched.
Leroy Logan, a former Met superintendent, said there were questions to be answered. “How did that person get to the station, either in the courtyard or in the building itself, and was he able to produce a weapon, whether it was on him at the time?” he said.
“It depends on the caliber of the weapon, because obviously if it’s a small gun and it can easily be on that person’s clothing, then obviously it brings up another question as to how thoroughly that person was searched, if at all.
“Those are the things that the professional standards department and the IOPC will look at, as well as the investigative officers who will have to look at this thoroughly.”
Tributes were paid to the sergeant, who was highly appreciated by his colleagues. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said on Friday: “This morning we learned of the shocking death of a very dear colleague, a longtime sergeant in the Metropolitan Police who was working last night in our Croydon custody suite.
“I have visited and spoken with our officer’s partner along with other colleagues. We are providing the best support we can. “
The officer is believed to be the first to be killed in a shooting in the line of duty from PC Fiona Bone, 32, and Nicola Hughes, 23, in September 2012. They were killed by Dale Cregan in a pistol attack. and grenades while responding to a report of a robbery in Greater Manchester.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Home Secretary Priti Patel paid their respects to Sgt. Speaking at the Home Office, Patel said: “I am deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic murder of the officer in Croydon overnight. All of our thoughts are with the officer’s family, friends, and colleagues throughout the metropolitan police, but also with the police family across the country.
“This is a sad day for our country as we once again see the tragic murder of a police officer in the line of duty as they try to protect us and keep us safe.”
Lissie Harper, the widow of PC Andrew Harper, who died while on duty last year after being dragged behind a car while trying to stop ATV thieves in Berkshire, said: “This is devastating news. No person should go to work never to return. No human being should be stripped of her life in a barbarous criminal act.
“Another hero has been taken from us with wanton violence. They protect us but who protects them? Another life is gone in a shameful act that reminds us of the danger our police officers face with each shift they start.
“My heart is broken for another member of our Blue Line family, and for all his family, friends and colleagues who must now accept a life without him.”
At the Croydon Police Station on Friday morning, flowers were placed in front of the main entrance. Inside you could see forensic investigators and police officers.
People living in Croydon were saddened and incredulous by the circumstances of the shooting. One man, who asked not to be identified, said he had passed the scene around 2.30am and saw a street lined with police vehicles and blue lights.
Ken Marsh, president of the Federation of Metropolitan Police, said: “Officers put themselves in danger every day to protect the public. Unfortunately, on very rare occasions officers make the ultimate sacrifice while on duty. When that happens, we will ensure that their courage and sacrifice are never forgotten. “
The president of the Council of National Police Chiefs, Martin Hewitt, added: “It is another tragic reminder of the risks that police officers take on a daily basis to maintain the safety of the public. The police are 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. “
