A YOUNG man has been jailed for 22 years for the attempted murder of an unarmed police officer.

Zartash Khan, 20, shot PC Liam Morrow in the legs, in Madeira Avenue, Bromley, on December 20 last year.

The Bromley-based PC was taken to hospital and took a long time to recover from his injuries.

Khan, of Denmark Hill, south London, was found guilty of attempted murder and possession of a firearm by a jury at Blackfriars Crown Court.

PC Morrow was shot during a police response to reports of four men sitting in a car, acting suspiciously. Two marked police cars attended the scene.

The instant response vehicle - containing two male officers and one female officer - stopped in front of the suspect vehicle and a Ford Focus patrol car - containing PC Morrow and a female officer - stopped behind the suspect vehicle.

As officers got out of their cars all four suspects, including Khan, got out of their vehicle - a silver Honda CRV - and started to run in the direction of Highland Road. At least two of the suspects, including Khan, were in possession of firearms which they fired at PC Morrow who was hit three times in both legs.

A window of the patrol car was smashed by gun fire. The injured officer was taken by to Lewisham Hospital. No other officers were injured.

Speaking after the trial, PC Liam Morrow said: “I am grateful for the magnificent response of Det Insp Linfoot and his team. Khan and the other suspects were clearly intent on causing serious violence that night.”

Det Insp Nick Linfoot, who led the investigation, said: “These men showed a callous disregard for human life. After 28 years service I am deeply saddened by the casual willingness to place police officers' lives in mortal danger. PC Morrow and his colleagues were simply enagaged in their daily work keeping Bromley safe and upholding the law.

“It was important that someone with such little regard for human life was captured and brought to justice.

“Trident & Trafalgar officers are committed to reducing gun crime and making the streets of London safer for all who live, work and visit.”

Supt Charlie Griggs, of Bromley police, said: “I said on the day this happened that the Metropolitan Police Service would use all its expertise and resources to track down this armed criminal. Today’s verdict demonstrates that resolve to bring to justice men who bring gun related violence to our streets.

“To shoot an unarmed police officer in these circumstances showed scant regard for human life. This incident highlighted the courage of PC Morrow and all police officers who face dangers to make our streets and communities safer.”

All five officers were wearing body armour.

PC Morrow has served with the Metropolitan police for 20 months. He returned to work on May 19.

Khan, who had pleaded not guilty, was sentenced to 22 years for the attempted murder and 15 years for the possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

The sentences are to run concurrently. Two other men, aged 20 and 24, who were arrested in connection with the inquiry were released without charge.