Officer shot dead: Welfare of family now top priority

Police chiefs say that are treating the welfare of the family of an officer who was found shot dead as their top priority.

And they have thanked colleagues from all over Met who assisted in “very difficult circumstances” following his death at North Woolwich Police station on Sunday.

The officer, Kenny Cornelius, was a police constable from SO18 Aviation Security Command based at London City Airport.

PC Cornelius, 38, reported for duty on Sunday May 13 in the afternoon and was issued with his firearms. A short time later he was found in the police station with a gunshot wound.

His colleagues administered first aid to him and the London Ambulance Service attended but despite their efforts they were unable to save him.

A post-mortem was held and gave the cause of death as a gunshot wound to the head. An inquest has been opened and adjourned at Walthamstow Coroner’s Court.

Pc Cornelius’ wife Wendy said: “Kenny was an incredibly loving husband, son and brother who was loved and adored. He was dedicated to the Police force and was very proud to be a serving police officer. He will be greatly missed. We are struggling to come to terms with this tragedy and would ask for privacy to allow us to grieve.”

A report is being prepared for the coroner by officers from the Directorate of Professional Standards.

A Scotland Yard statement said: “The investigation is still at an early stage but, without wishing to prejudge the outcome of the investigation, the indications are that PC Cornelius sadly took his own life.”

PC Cornelius joined the MPS in August 1998 and began his career in Lambeth. He also worked in the Territorial Support Group before moving to the Aviation Security Command in October 2009.

Chief Supt Bert Moore, OCU Commander at SO18, said: “My priorities now are to look after the welfare of Kenny’s wife and family and his colleagues at London City Airport.

“Despite our experience as police officers, the death of a colleague is one of the most difficult issues we deal with and, when it happens in such circumstances, it brings with it its own particular emotions. We are all deeply shocked and saddened by Kenny’s death.

“In partnership with our colleagues from the DPS we have put in place trained Family Liaison Officers with Kenny’s family and Occupational Health support for my officers and staff affected by this incident.

“I would like to extend our thanks to colleagues from across the MPS who assisted us in very difficult circumstances on Sunday afternoon.”

The officer’s death has stunned colleagues.

Locals in a nearby pub said they heard a gunshot just after 2pm.

Others saw a number of police cars lining Albert Road and Woolwich Manor Way.