British police officer shot in legs

A British police officer was shot in the legs in the early hours of yesterday as he and three colleagues investigated reports of a suspect car.

Four men, who were sitting in the car in Bromley, south London, ran off as the officers approached and one of the suspects opened fire, hitting the 22-year-old policeman several times and smashing the windows of his patrol car.

"These men had no regard whatsoever for human life," Chief Superintendent Charles Griggs said. "The shots that were fired could have easily killed the injured PC and his colleagues. It is important that they are caught as soon as possible."