American university police officer dies after being shot in the head

A police officer has died after being shot in the head while on patrol near an American university.

Colin Rose was investigating possible thefts of sat navs from cars close to the Wayne State University campus in Detroit, Michigan, on Tuesday evening when he radioed in to say he was about to speak to a person on a bike.

Detroit Police Chief James Craig said that when officers arrived at the scene they found the 29-year-old injured on the ground.

Mr Rose was taken to hospital where he underwent surgery on Wednesday, but later died.

M Roy Wilson, president of the university, said: "This is a tragedy felt by all of us. Collin served Wayne State with distinction, and we owe those he left behind our deepest sympathies and our strong support."

Michigan's governor Rick Snyder and state Attorney General Bill Schuette offered condolences to Mr Rose's family and fellow officers.

"Officer Rose was doing his job, serving his community and protecting all of us, when he was tragically gunned down," Mr Schuette said.

"Officer Rose was too young to have his life taken, and he leaves behind a family that will never be the same."

Ambush-style shootings on Sunday left one police officer dead in San Antonio, Texas, and another wounded in St Louis, Missouri, underscoring fears in the police community that the uniform is increasingly becoming a target.

But Wayne State Police Chief Anthony Holt said he did not "believe it was an ambush" nor that Mr Rose was "specifically targeted" for being a police officer.

Police said a suspect in the shooting was arrested late on Tuesday night near where Mr Rose was shot, but no charges have been filed.

No weapon has been recovered and the investigation continues.