Police officer shot

Detectives were today hunting an armed gang who tried to kill a police officer in a quiet suburban street.

The unarmed 22-year-old Pc was hit several times in the legs as he attempted to stop the gang who were thought to be casing houses to rob.

He was taken to hospital to have bullets removed and was stable after surgery.
Fellow officers praised his heroism and said he was "shocked but in good spirits".

The gang had been spotted by a resident lurking in a silver Honda CRV around Madeira Avenue in Bromley, south London, at around midnight last night.

There were four black men in the parked car, all were in dark clothing and at least one was wearing a balaclava.

Four police officers in two response cars were sent in and boxed the Honda in, one parking behind and one in front.

Chief Superintendent Charles Griggs said: "The four men in the bandit car then bailed out and ran along the road back towards the police car behind them.

"An officer had got out of the passenger side of the police car and one them started firing shots at the officer.

"These men had no regard whatsoever for human life. The shots that were fired could have easily killed the injured Pc and his colleagues. It is important that they are caught as soon as possible."

Despite the fact that shots had been fired two unarmed officers still chased after the gang but they escaped.

At least one man got away by jumping into the grounds of a synagogue 100 metres down the road.

The shooting happened in a residential area of owner occupied flats and houses.
Mr Griggs said: "It's the sort of street where you never expect this type of thing to happen.

"It's a very nice quiet suburb and this vehicle clearly looked out of place at that time."

The Honda had a distinctive registration - WBZ 8880 - and police appealed for sightings of it.

Mr Griggs also paid tribute to the heroism of the injured officer.

"I think it's a testament to the bravery of our young officers and it makes you feel extremely proud to have officers working alongside you like that," he said