Two men, aged 21 and 22, have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after an unarmed police officer was shot in the arm while chasing three men in South Croydon.

A third 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and possession of drugs.

Officers were called to Kingsdown Road in South Croydon on Friday, July 15, shortly before 10pm after reports of men acting suspiciously.

On arrival two men were arrested but a third ran off causing police officers to give chase on foot.

As officers chased the man he opened fire and one male police officer, who has not been named, suffered a gunshot to the arm. He was taken to a south London hospital where he remains in a stable condition.

The injured officer is based with the Croydon Borough Response Team.

No other officers were injured during the incident.

Commander Tony Eastaugh, said: "I am outstandingly proud of our officers who put themselves in positions of danger on a daily basis to protect the communities of London.

“It is sad that an unarmed officer has been shot whilst performing his duty to the public.

“Our thoughts are with him and his family".

All three men are currently in custody in separate South London police stations.

Detectives from Trident, the Met's specialist unit for gun crime in the black community, are investigating the incident.

Any witnesses or anyone with information should call police in Croydon on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Do you know more? Call 07944539992 or email the news team on newsdesk@croydonguardian.co.uk