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Inquest into death of PC Ian Dibell

An inquest is due in Chelmsford today into the death of a Clacton police officer who was shot dead defending a neighbour last July.

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Calls for "hero" police officer to be awarded for bravery

PC Ian Dibell

There are growing calls for a police officer who lost his life trying to disarm a gunman in Essex to be posthumously awarded for his bravery.

PC Ian Dibell was off duty when he was shot dead, near his home in Clacton last July.

At the inquest into his death yesterday, the coroner recorded a verdict of unlawful killing, praising PC Dibell for his "quite extraordinary bravery" and recommending a commendation for his actions.

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Essex Police pay tribute to PC Ian Dibell

The bravery of former Essex Police officer Pc Ian Dibell was recognised today at an inquest hearing into his death held at Chelmsford Crown Court.

The coroner returned a verdict of unlawful killing.

Colleagues from across the force paused to reflect on the death of a friend and colleague who paid the ultimate price for his courageous intervention against gunman Peter Reeve on July 9 last year.

"The incident in Clacton last July is a reminder to us all that it is not the uniform that makes a police officer, it is the instinctive sense to do the right thing regardless of the circumstances you are faced with. During what was clearly a fast-moving and dramatic situation, Ian quickly assessed what needed to be done and tackled Peter Reeve; sustaining a fatal injury in the process."We remain deeply proud of Ian and the sacrifice he made for the safety of others. He had an incredible devotion to his community and Essex Police and his actions will never be forgotten.”

– Chief Constable Jim Barker-McCardle

"Ian Dibell died trying to protect the community he served proudly as an Essex Police officer. Even though he was off duty he acted with bravery and selflessness, attempting to calm a dangerous situation."

– Nick Alston, Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex

Inquest hears details of officer's death

Pc Ian Dibell

An off-duty police officer was murdered as he tried to "wrestle" a revolver away from a crazed gunman to protect a member of the public, an inquest has heard.

Pc Ian Dibell, who was 41 and a father of two, was shot while trying to intervene in a dispute near his home in Clacton last July.

His killer, 64-year-old Peter Reeve, had run amok in a residential street as he attacked his neighbour Trevor Marshall and Mr Marshall's girlfriend, Katarzyna Karolak.

The inquest at Chelmsford Crown Court heard that the officer had approached the assailant as he chased Mr Marshall in his Toyota car.

He received one gunshot through the right hand and into the upper chest as he tried to take the gun from Reeve.

The inquest heard that the former mechanic was diagnosed with paranoia and psychosis in 2001 and had become obsessed with the idea that his neighbours were dealing drugs and printing money.

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