A 14-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of a cop during an alleged shooting spree that sent officers fleeing for their lives.

The “hero” officer, detective Joseph Azcona, 26, died in hospital from gun shot wounds, and another cop who was shot is recovering from injuries.

Azcona was part of an illegal firearms sting in Newark, New Jersey, and was blasted before he even left his car.

Emanuel Miranda, Newark’s director of public safety, said Azcona was a “true hero”.

Witnesses described chaotic scenes, with cops fleeing for their lives down busy the busy streets.

More than a dozen shots were heard in the volley that injured a second officer.

Azcona’s colleague was rushed to hospital but is expected to survive, the authorities said.

Newark mayor Ras Baraka said the shooter showed “heinous, callous disregard for humanity”.

He added that the brave officers had gone entered the situation knowing that “grave danger was possible”.

Five people from the scene were arrested – with the charged 14-year-old among them.

The youth has been charged with murder, attempted murder and possession of illegal weapons, Miranda said.

The deadly shots were delivered at around 6:30pm near a White castle and a McDonald’s on Carteret Street and Broadway.

Theodore Stephens, Essex Country Prosecutor, said on Saturday: “Five-year veteran Joseph Azcona was shot before he even had the opportunity to leave his police car.”