Tribute to fallen officer

25 September 2020

The shocking death of a Metropolitan Police officer will be felt across the country but particularly by the policing family, says the chair of Derbyshire Police Federation.

Tony Wetton was speaking after the officer was shot and killed in an incident at a Croydon custody centre in the early hours of this morning.

“Our hearts go out to the family, friends and colleagues of the fallen officer.” said Tony.  “This tragedy will have a huge impact on officers and their loved ones throughout the country including those here in Derbyshire.  Colleagues working in, and going into, custody suites are likely to be particularly affected and our thoughts are with them.  Any colleague in need of support should be assured that Derbyshire Police Federation is here to help in any way it can.

“Incidents such as this bring home the daily dangers that officers face as they go about their duties, serving and protecting the public and seeking to keep our communities safe.”

National Federation chair John Apter has also expressed his shock at the incident.

He said: “Policing is a family and when we lose one of our own in such a devastating way it affects us all. The dangers police officers face every day are very real and, sadly, as we have seen, can result in officers making the ultimate sacrifice. 

“There will now be an investigation and therefore it would be wrong to say any more at this time or to speculate, other than to say that our hearts are with the family of our officer who has been killed and all involved in this horrific incident.”