Essex PC Ian Dibell shot dead

[Rusty99]

An off-duty police officer has been shot dead and another man injured in an Essex seaside town.

Police were called at about 15:30 BST on Monday after gunfire was heard near Redbridge Road in Clacton-on-Sea.

Essex Police Chief Constable Jim Barker-McCardle said PC Ian Dibell was killed after he "deliberately intervened" in a "deadly situation".

Officers are hunting Peter Reeve, 64, over the shooting. They said he was dangerous and should not be approached.

Paul McKeever, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said PC Dibell had "demonstrated remarkable courage and bravery".

He said: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of our colleague who has been killed in Essex. It's a very sad day indeed."

Mr Barker-McCardle said PC Dibell was "an experienced and professional neighbourhood police officer" who "deliberately intervened in what he knew was an extremely deadly situation".

'Ultimate sacrifice'
Mr Reeve, who is believed to be armed, is described as white, about 5ft 10ins tall with short, greyish hair, wearing jeans and possibly glasses. He comes from the Clacton area.

Armed officers are searching the town and residents have been advised to remain indoors.

Mark Smith, chairman of the Essex Police Federation, said PC Dibell was a "dedicated professional officer who, even though off duty, has paid the ultimate sacrifice for his bravery and selfless actions in trying to protect his local community".

A white tent has been erected in front of a house at the scene and more than 13 police vehicles are parked nearby, including a van full of armed officers.

A group of 20 neighbours was led away from nearby houses by forensic officers and gave their details before leaving the scene.

A police spokesman said they were confident of catching the gunman after receiving many calls from the public.

He described how when police arrived they found one man dead and another man with serious leg injuries lying in the street.

A BBC Essex reporter said it was a quiet residential area in a "well-to-do" part of Clacton.

'Woman screaming'
A 45-year-old woman, who lives yards from the scene, said: "I heard a lot of commotion at about 3.40 near to flats at the end of the street.

"I didn't know what was going on. There's still a lot of commotion in the street. I saw a man running up the road.

"I don't know anyone involved in what's happened. The whole road has been cordoned off. My husband isn't being allowed back to our house."

Patrick Mooney, 83, returned from a shopping trip at about 16:00 to find police in his street.

Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said she was "shocked and appalled" by the shooting.

She added: "We are all reminded that police officers on or off duty put themselves in harm's way to protect the public and they have our greatest admiration for their bravery, for what they do and the risks they take daily to keep us safe.

"It is important to remember that the suspect in this shooting is still at large and police officers are still searching for him.

"We all wish this a speedy and safe resolution tonight."

Source:BBC

[Ch00]

Sad loss to his family.

[redbranchwarrior]

RIP PC Ian Dibell

"The Final Inspection"

The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here,
Lord, It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't.....I'll understand.

There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."

Author Unknown

[Chief]

RIP

[Rusty99]

Peter Reeve, 64, the suspected gunman, was found dead with a head wound in a churchyard at Writtle, near Chelmsford.

Inquiries were ongoing into the motive for the attack, which neighbours said may be linked to a dispute over parking.

Mr Cameron said the thoughts of the whole country were with PC Dibell's family.

Speaking in Downing Street during a press conference with French President Francois Hollande, he said: "It is the first time I have been able to comment on the very sad death of police constable Ian Dibell.

"He was off-duty but went to help people in a totally selfless and typical way that our police officers do all of the time.

"It's a reminder of the immense debt that we owe them."

[GymRat]

I hope Reeve died in agony.

Did anyone else see the touching tribute May and Windsor paid our fallen colleague? No...... Me neither.

[JohnKelly]

Sad news.