22.10: Bradford Shooting - Police Press Conference

West Yorkshire Police announced that the second officer`s condition is not life threatening as they gave details of the shooting in Bradford that left her colleague dead today.

A massive manhunt is under way tonight as many streets in the centre of Bradford are closed.

Detective Superintendent Andy Brennan said, “At about 3.30pm this afternoon (Fri Nov 18) a personal attack alarm was activated at the Universal Express Travel Agents 116-120 Morley St, Bradford.

“That alarm activation was initially sent to a central alarm bureau and the police were then informed.

“The nearest officers to respond to that report of the alarm activation were two unarmed female officers in their 30s.

“Accounts of what happened are still being obtained but we do know that as the officers arrived at the travel agents up to 3 men ran from the premises, one shot was fired by this group of men which hit one of the officers, which has since proved fatal.

“Several other shots were fired one of which hit the second officer, resulting in serious gunshot injuries. These injuries are not life threatening.

“We are appealing for any information as to the identity of those responsible for the murder and attempted murder of two unarmed police officers.

“We are still putting together the pieces and are not at this stage able to provide descriptions of those three men. They will follow but not this evening.

“Extensive enquiries are currently under way, more information and evidence will become available as our enquiries continue. I would reiterate that anyone with anyone with any information should contact the incident room as a matter of urgency.

West Yorkshire`s Assistant Chief Constable, David Crompton said, “Every single member of the force from the Chief Constable down to the newest recruit will be determined to catch whoever is responsible for this crime.”

Witnesses have said told news agencies that staff in the shop were assaulted and an amount of cash was stolen in the raid.

The Prime Minister said he was “shocked and saddened” by the death of the officer.

Home Secretary, Charles Clarke said, “While incidents of this sort are mercifully rare, they serve to remind us of the risks and dangers police officers face every day in their work to uphold the law and protect the public.”