Police officer shot in hand in Wendover Way, Blackfen by suspected drink driver

Police were called at 9.10pm to reports a car had crashed into a road sign on a pedestrian crossing in the middle of Westwood Lane.

The suspected driver of the dark-coloured Land Rover Freelander was seen to walk away from the site of the crash, outside the entrance to the car park of the Co-operative supermarket.

A short time later, a man matching the description of the suspected driver was stopped by two Bexley officers in Wendover Way on the other side of the A2.

This man then produced a revolver-style handgun, pointed it at the officers, and fired at them.

One of the officers, a male PC, suffered a gunshot wound to the hand.

His colleague, also male, detained the suspect, aged 51, and he was subsequently arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and drink driving.

He remains in custody.

Both officers were taken to Queen Mary’s Hospital in Sidcup for treatment and have both since been discharged.

The Met is providing them with welfare support.

Bexley Borough Commander, Superintendent Peter Ayling, said: "Last night's incident highlights the dangers that police officers can face as they go about their job.

“My officers, knowing they were faced with a man in possession of a firearm, did not shirk from their duty to protect Londoners.

“They bravely confronted this man, disarmed him and arrested him.

“I cannot praise their courage enough."

The weapon and ammunition was recovered at the scene, which remains cordoned off this lunchtime.

Officers from the Met’s specialist gang and firearms unit Trident are investigating and enquiries continue.

Did you see what happened? E-mail tim.macfarlan@london.newsquest.co.uk