“Sad day for our country” when a police officer was shot

The killing of a Metropolitan Police officer in the line of duty is a “sad day for our country”, the Home Secretary said.

Priti Patel was among those who spoke of their shock after an officer was shot dead inside a police station by a man who then turned the gun on him in the early hours of Friday.

The victim died in hospital after the gunman, who was being held, opened fire at the Croydon detention center in south London.

Speaking at the Home Office, Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “I am 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 in the Metropolitan Police, but also the family of police officers across the country.

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

“Later today I will be meeting with the Metropolitan Police Commissioner to discuss the investigation which is currently taking place and of course the Metropolitan Police Service now needs the time and space to get on with the investigation which must now follow. “

Community police officer Jacqueline Kufuor broke down in tears after laying flowers outside the center in tribute to her colleague.

She told the PA news agency that the deceased officer was “a nice guy” and “the nicest man I’ve ever met.”

She said: “You never expect this to happen when you go to work. For him to have been in custody and for that to happen, it’s so sad.”

She said: “He was a very nice man. He was such a nice man. When he sees you, he would stand and talk to you. They would ask you about your job and how you are doing and doing there.

“So when I was in trouble, I would talk to him.”

Lissie Harper, the widow of PC Andrew Harper, who was killed in the line of duty last year, said the death of a Metropolitan Police officer was “absolutely devastating”.

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

Reverend Catherine Tucker, who came down to the center to see if anyone needed prayer or support, said: “The action taken against the police is really unacceptable but I also feel sorry for the perpetrator.

“Unfortunately, I am not surprised that there has been a shooting in Croydon.”

Rev Tucker, who is part of the parish of Holy Church Croydon, which includes the center in its catchment area, described the region as having a diverse community living in an extremely deprived setting.

She said: “There are tensions between the police and young people, particularly around stop and search and how the police relate to the community.”