Northamptonshire Police postpone interceptor competition as 'mark of respect' following Croydon shooting

Northamptonshire Police's Chief Constable has shared his condolences following the murder of an officer in Croydon this morning.

A police officer was shot dead early this morning at around 2.15am outside Croydon Custody Centre in South London.

Today, the flags at Force Headquarters at Wootton Hall are flying at half-mast. Northamptonshire Police officers have shared their respects online, including the county's chief constable Nick Adderley.

The chief tweeted: "My deepest condolences to the officers family, loved ones and colleagues, and from all at @NorthantsPolice. We stand ready to support our colleagues in the @metpoliceuk in anyway we can."

In a further tweet, Chief Adderely announced the force would postpone announcing the winner of a competition it was running to give a resident the chance to drive one of its high-speed interceptor cars, which would have been drawn today.

He said: "As a mark of respect, following the dreadful news this morning at the loss of a colleague from the Met Police, will not be announcing the winner of the Interceptor experience until next week. Sorry for any disappointment but I know you will all understand. Nick."

During the incident, the male officer was shot in the chest when a man, who was being detained, produced a weapon during a search. The suspect then turned the gun on himself.

The officer was treated at the scene overnight but died in hospital. A 23-year-old man is in a critical condition after being treated for gunshot wounds.