THE death of Essex Police PC Ian Dibell, who was shot dead as he tried to wrestle an antique weapon from a gunman, was today recorded as an \u201cunlawful killing\u201d.<\/p>\n
HM Coroner for Essex and Thurrock Caroline Beasley-Murray said she wanted to highlight PC Dibell\u2019s \u201cextraordinary bravery\u201d and commended him for a Gallantry medal.<\/p>\n
Essex Police vowed to pursue the coroner\u2019s request.<\/p>\n
An inquest in Chelmsford on April 8 heard that that the off duty PC was shot as he tried to stop Peter Reeve (64) firing a revolver at two members of the public on July 9 last year.<\/p>\n
Mrs Beasley-Murray said: \u201cHe responded instantly to a fast moving and dramatic situation presenting extreme danger to the public. His courageous aim was to save life and he risked his own life regardless of his own safety. His actions almost certainly prevented utter carnage.\u201d<\/p>\n
PC Dibell ran some 80 metres from his nearby home to Reeve\u2019s Toyota vehicle and tried to grab the gun\u2019s muzzle. But the weapon went off, firing a shot through the palm of PC Dibell\u2019s right hand and then into his chest.<\/p>\n
Mrs Beasley-Murray said PC Dibell\u2019s bravery \u201calmost certainly prevented further loss of life. She said his family could be \u201cimmensely proud\u201d of him.<\/p>\n
In attendance at the inquest were PC Dibell\u2019s family including his father, a retired police officer, and partner Louise, a serving community support officer with Essex Police.<\/p>\n
Speaking after the inquest, Mark Smith, chairman of Essex Police Federation, said: \u201cIs a police officer ever of duty? After hearing the initial shots, Ian returned home, collected his warrant card and ran, unarmed, to confront Reeve.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was trying to protect the public, as police officers do day in, day out. Running towards danger when others run away. Tragically, he paid the ultimate sacrifice in doing this. We will never forget his actions. Our thoughts remain Ian, his family, friends and colleagues.\u201d<\/p>\n
A statement from the Dibell family said: \u201cToday\u2019s inquest has left no shadow of doubt that Ian acted selflessly and heroically to protect others. He placed himself in mortal danger and paid the ultimate price. It is with an immense sense of pride that we remember Ian and his courageous act.\u201d<\/p>\n
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