A GUNMAN who shot a Bromley policeman is believed to be a member of feared south London criminal gang known as the Muslim Boys.

Zartash Khan, aged 20, who was jailed for 22 years for the attempted murder of PC Liam Morrow has links to the group.

The gang, which uses Islam as a front for its crimes, is mainly based in Brixton, Peckham, Lambeth and Streatham and specialises in robbing drug dealers.

Police and Muslim leaders say the group's members, aged between 15 and 30, have no genuine Islamic links.

The Muslim Boys are generally black Islamic converts and are known for forcing black youths into conversion at gunpoint.

Similarities have been drawn between its members and shoebomber Richard Reid, who was born in Bromley.

Reid was a black Muslim convert who was involved in criminal activity before he became an extremist Muslim and tried to blow up an American passenger jet in 2001.

PC Morrow, 23, was shot three times in his legs, in Madeira Avenue, Bromley, on December 20, last year.

Five officers went to the street just after midnight following reports four men in a car were acting suspiciously.

Khan and his three accomplices fled in the direction of Highland Road when officers approached them and PC Morrow was shot as they fled.

He returned to work in May and has vowed the incident will not affect his work.

He said: "I'm not scared. I have wanted to be a policeman all my life and nothing will stop me from doing my job."

Police still do not know why Khan and the three other men were in Madeira Avenue.

And despite rumours drugs were involved no evidence was found.

Police sources say they are confident Khan was linked to the Muslim Boys but Detective Inspector Nick Linfoot says there is no firm evidence.

He added: "It was important someone with such little regard for human life was captured and brought to justice."

Two of Khan's accomplices have been told no further action will be taken although police are still searching for evidence.

The fourth man has is still being hunted by police.

Call 020 8247 4553 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 1111 if you have any information.