The custody sergeant was attacked before the shooter turned the gun on himself at the Croydon Custody Centre in the London suburb of Croydon just after 2 a.m. on Friday.
The officer, who has not been named, was rushed to a local hospital but was pronounced dead. The suspect was also taken to a London hospital with gunshot wounds and is said to be in a critical condition.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said the officer’s family was being supported by specially trained staff.
The London Evening Standard reported that the prisoner had been arrested after being found in possession of ammunition at around 2 a.m. and was being booked by the custody sergeant when the incident occurred.
“This is a truly shocking incident in which one of our colleagues has lost his life in the most tragic circumstances,” Metropolitan police commissioner Cressida Dick said. “My heart goes out to his family, direct colleagues and friends.”
The officer’s death has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct for an investigation.
This is a developing story and more will be added as it becomes available.
