Police officer allegedly punched in face during gun search

A police officer was allegedly punched in the face during a house search that recovered a loaded firearm.

A man has been charged after officers responded to a report of men with weapons in Croydon.

At around 2.30am on Sunday, officers were called by a concerned resident about the suspicious behaviour of a group of men on the Shrublands Estate in Croydon.

Upon arrival, officers searched the area and found a loaded firearm. 

During the search, officers detained 21-year-old Emilio Sota for a search. While being detained, Sota allegedly punched an officer in the face, claimed the Met.

Sota, of Portland Road, was charged with possession of a firearm and assaulting an emergency worker. He appeared in custody at Croydon Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

Two other males were arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm. They have been bailed pending further enquiries.

Pictured top: Shrublands Estate (Picture: Google Street View)