Police find body of gunman in Essex church graveyard

Police have found the body of a man suspected of killing an off-duty officer in a church graveyard in the village of Writtle in Essex with wounds to the head.

He was declared dead at the scene and no shots were fired by police, according to a police spokesman.

Peter Reeve, 64, is suspected of shooting Pc Ian Dibell and injuring a member of the public in a residential street in the seaside town of Clacton in Essex yesterday.

Our Crime Correspondent Jon Clements followed developments in Essex.

Yesterday Essex Police Chief Constable Jim Barker-McCardle urged people who witnessed the shooting or have information about Reeve's whereabouts to come forward.

He said: "The entire force grieves but we are aware the job is to bring this man to justice and make sure we do everything we can to look after most important people, the family and friends of our fallen colleague.

"There is an armed and very dangerous man out there. Do not hesitate, dial 999."

Meanwhile tributes have been paid to Pc Ian Dibell who was shot and killed in Clacton yesterday.

The death has been described as "deeply sad news":