Road remains closed after police officer shot in South Croydon

Police were called to Kingsdown Avenue just before 10pm after reports of suspicious activity.

On arrival three men ran off causing officers to pursue on foot.

One man then pulled out a hand gun and fired shots with one police officer, a male constable, suffering a gunshot to the arm.

The man was taken to a South London hospital where his injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

Armed response units with police dogs were reported to be on the scene last night and a police helicopter was above the area until about 12pm.

This morning police officers are stationed at the road which remains closed to all vehicles, and alleyways have been cordoned off with police tape.

A spokesperson from the nearby Golf Shop said: “The police helicopter was up until about 12 o clock last night.

“There were armed response teams down there with dogs and crime tents have been put up.

“If you walk down Kingsdown Avenue you have to prove that you have got urgent business or that you live in Kingsdown Avenue.

“It's South Croydon, it shouldn’t happen.

“They are just young idiots with a gun.”

A resident of Kingsdown Road added: "I had gone to bed and was half asleep and there was a loud and constant helicopter circling over head which kept me awake. "I've had a series of burglaries here. "We live in a dangerous world. "But it doesnt get me worked up, theres no use getting worked up over it."

Three men were arrested in connection with the shooting and are currently in custody at separate South London police stations.

It is understood that Trident, the Met's specialist unit for gun crime in the black community, is now investigating the incident.

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