Haggerston shooting: man held as police officer recovers in hospital

Commander Duncan Ball at Scotland Yard

A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a police officer was shot in Haggerston during an undercover operation yesterday lunchtime.

The 31-year-old is also being held at a north London police station in connection with the possession of a firearm.

The injured police officer, who has not been publicly named, was shot in the shoulder during an operation by the Met’s Trident gang crime unit to recover a firearm from Stonebridge Estate on Scriven Street.

The officer remains in hospital where his condition is stable.

A ‘post incident procedure’ has concluded that no police firearm was discharged during the operation.

Colleagues and senior policing figures have paid tribute to the injured officer’s bravery.

The Met Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said: “This officer has shown great bravery. His colleagues have described him as ‘exceptional’ and ‘professional’. He has been that and more today. I am of thinking of him and his family and I wish him a quick recovery.”

Commander Duncan Ball from the Met’s Specialist Crime and Operations said: “At this early stage it has been established the officer received a gunshot wound through the shoulder during the operation – and an investigation is underway to establish the full circumstances of the incident.

“The officer’s family have been informed and we will offer the full support of the Metropolitan Police to the officer, his family and his colleagues.

“We would ask that the officer and his family’s privacy are respected at this time, including the reproduction of images of the injuries he has suffered or speculation on his identity.

“The events of today illustrate the very real risks that police officers take on behalf of the public to keep London safe.”