A Police Officer Has Been Shot in East London

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The Metropolitan Police has confirmed that a male police officer was shot in East London today. According to an official statement, the officer was taking part in an operation involving specialist firearms officers and members of the Trident anti-gang unit when he was shot on Scriven Street in Haggerston, Hackney.

The officer was airlifted to hospital after the shooting took place at approximately 12:45PM. A man is believed to be in custody on suspicion of shooting the police officer, whose injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

Being interviewed by the Independent, local shopkeeper Kirit Shah said, "I heard a shot and very soon there were lots of police everywhere. From what I understand, the shooting happened behind the community center."

Images circulating on Twitter show what is believed to be the officer with an injury on the left side of his upper body. Reports also suggest that the police officer was undercover, although this has not been confirmed officially at this time.

In a statement, the Met Police said, "A male police officer, no further details at this time, has been taken to an East London hospital suffering a gunshot wound. Next of kin have been informed. There are no reports of any other injured persons at this time."