Former Chief Constable of Northumbria Police responds to Rathband ruling

"There are no winners or losers in this tragic episode.

My thoughts, prayers and best wishes remain with Kath and their two children together with the other close family members who have been affected by these terrible events.

David was acting in the best tradition of policing when he was brutally shot by Raoul Moat.

The judge has acknowledged that the primary function of British policing remains the safety of the public and that officers are sometimes placed at a higher level of risk as a consequence.

I was and remain honoured to have led my officers during what was a most difficult and testing time for everyone public and police"