New York police officer shot dead in Bronx

An officer of the New York Police Department (NYPD) was shot dead early Sunday morning in the Bronx.

"Last night we lost someone who was by every measure a hero. NYPD Officer Brian Mulkeen dedicated nearly seven years of his life to protecting the city he loved," New York Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted.

Mulkeen, 33, was shot and killed when his team were patrolling the streets in the New York borough at around 0:30 a.m. (0430 GMT) because of gang activity, NYPD chief Terence Monahan said.

Mulkeen and partner were trying to apprehend a suspect who was on the run after he was questioned by the police. Mulkeen was shot three times during a violent struggle on the ground with the suspect, according to Monahan.

The suspect was shot dead on site. Mulkeen was rushed to hospital and was pronounced dead.