A GANG member has been given a life sentence for shooting a police officer.

Joel Johnson, aged 20, was told when he was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court that he would have to serve a minimum of eight years and five months before being eligible for release.

Johnson pleaded guilty to attempted GBH, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and possession of ammunition.

A charge of attempted murder of a police officer was allowed to remain on file.

He was arrested after firing five shots at a police car in Hatcham Park Road, New Cross, last December.

The car was hit three times, with one of the bullets hitting a 42-year-old officer who was in the passenger seat.

The bullet entered the passenger door and hit the officer's bulletproof jacket. It then ricocheted into his right index finger, causing minor injuries.

According to police, Johnson, of Hatcham Park Road, was a member of a gang in the area.

Detective Inspector Gordon Allison, of the Met's Operation Trident South shootings team, said: "It is fortunate there was no loss of life that night.

"So thorough was the investigation that the weight of evidence against Johnson ensured he pleaded guilty."