Second attack for 'brave' policeman

A policeman is recovering after being shot by a motorist who was stopped in London.

PC William Morrison, 48, came under fire near Highbury Corner at 0445 GMT on Saturday.

The gunman and two other men were in a Saab car when the officer approached them because he thought they had been driving erratically.

The attack happened almost exactly a year after PC Morrison was stabbed by a man.

PC Morrison's actions in trying to apprehend an armed man are examples of his bravery and commitment.

Chief Superintendent Ron Hope

The officer is believed to have been shot after struggling with the driver of a car but was able to call his colleagues for help and was taken to hospital.

His wounds are not believed to be life threatening.

It was revealed that PC Morrison was one of two officers stabbed by a schizophrenic who was threatening a girl with a knife outside Finsbury Park bus station on 8 December 2001.

The officers were commended for bravery in court.

Detective Chief Superintendent John Shatford, who is leading the inquiry, said the incident happened as PC Morrison was driving down Highbury Terrace on a routine nightshift.

Brave actions

Mr Shatford said: "This was a serious and callous attack on an unarmed police officer and we need to know exactly what happened."

Islington's borough commander Chief Superintendent Ron Hope, said: "He is an extremely hard working officer.

"He is very popular with his colleagues and highly regarded by senior officers. His actions in trying to apprehend an armed man are examples of his bravery and commitment."

Norman Brennan, from the campaign group Protect the Protectors, wants a "serious debate" about arming police officers.

He said: "We must have the ultimate protection of a firearm to protect not only society but ourselves."