Nicola Sturgeon: First Minister extends 'deepest condolences' after police officer shot dead in Croydon

The First Minister made the comments ahead of her daily briefing on coronavirus in Scotland.

The killing of a police officer in South London this morning is a “heart-breaking reminder of the dangers police officers confront every single day on our behalf,” according to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who spoke ahead of her daily Covid-19 briefing from St Andrew House.

The officer was pronounced dead in hospital earlier today, after being shot by a 23-year-old gunman in Croydon at around 2:15am.

Police said the murder suspect is in a critical condition in hospital with a self-inflicted gunshot wound after he was held at the scene.

Taking to the podium alongside Police Scotland Chief Constable Iain Livingstone, Ms Sturgeon said: “I want to take a moment to acknowledge the dreadful news from Croydon in South London of a police officer being shot dead.

“The circumstances of this are, obviously, subject to investigation, but I wanted to take the opportunity to convey my deepest condolences to all of the officer’s loved ones.

“This is a heart-breaking reminder of the dangers police officers confront every single day on our behalf, and of the enormous debt of gratitude we owe them as a result of that.

“Especially with the Chief Constable of Police Scotland standing next to me, it is important for me to acknowledge that - every day - but particularly in the wake of such upsetting and tragic news.”

Ms Sturgeon said: “I want to take a moment to acknowledge the dreadful news from Croydon in South London of a police officer being shot dead." (Photo by Andy Buchanan - WPA POOL/Getty Images)

Ch Con Iain Livingstone added: “Can I also start this afternoon by expressing, on behalf of everyone in policing, our deepest sympathies and support to the family of our colleague from the Metropolitan Police who was tragically shot on duty in the early hours of this morning.

“The thoughts of the whole policing family are with those who have lost a loved family member, a friend, and a close colleague.”

The comments come after Boris Johnson led tributes this morning, telling followers on Twitter: “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.”

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