The police officer shot on Friday night is suffering from "life changing" injuries as the bullet has shattered his elbow.

PC Wayne Stevens was shot on Friday night while responding to a routine call about three men acting suspiciously on Kingsdown Road in South Croydon.

Croydon Magistrates Court heard the officers were called by an off-duty colleague who spotted the three men in Kingsdown Road.

They arrived on the scene to find the men walking down the road. Two men were arrested at the scene but the third fled, producing a gun and firing two shots at pursuing officers from about 10ft away.

He managed to escape, as PC Stevens was hit in the arm. The brave officer was taken to hospital where he remains in a stable condition. He was visited by the outgoing Commissioner, Sir Paul Stephenson last night after he announced his resignation over over allegations of an inappropriate relationship with former News of the World deputy editor Neil Wallis.

Commander Tony Eastaugh of the MPS 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".

Demar Provan, 21, from West Norwood and Adewale Ogunsanya, 22, of Streatham, appeared at Croydon Magistrates Court charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and possession of ammunition.

The pair spoke only to confirm their names and addresses.

They have been remanded in custody and are set to appear at Croydon Crown Court on September 23.