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Officer shooting inquests opened Officer shooting inquests opened
(about 1 hour later)
Inquests into the deaths of a policeman shot during a domestic disturbance and a man thought to have killed him have been opened and adjourned.Inquests into the deaths of a policeman shot during a domestic disturbance and a man thought to have killed him have been opened and adjourned.
Pc Richard Gray, 43, from Dundee, was shot dead at the scene in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, on Sunday.Pc Richard Gray, 43, from Dundee, was shot dead at the scene in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, on Sunday.
Gunman Peter Medlicott is believed to have shot Pc Gray with a .222 calibre rifle he used for pest control work, before turning the weapon on himself.Gunman Peter Medlicott is believed to have shot Pc Gray with a .222 calibre rifle he used for pest control work, before turning the weapon on himself.
Coroner John Ellery identified the pair at the hearing in Shrewsbury.Coroner John Ellery identified the pair at the hearing in Shrewsbury.
The inquest, at the town's magistrates court, heard Mr Medlicott's body was identified by his brother-in-law. The inquest, at the town's magistrates court, heard 33-year-old Mr Medlicott's body was identified by his brother-in-law.
Mr Ellery, coroner for North and Mid-West Shrewsbury, said Mr Medlicott was born in March 1974, was single and was employed as a construction company ground worker at the time of his death. Mr Ellery, coroner for North and Mid-West Shrewsbury, said Mr Medlicott was born in March 1974, single and employed as a construction company ground worker at the time of his death.
[Pc Gray] was very popular with his colleagues, extremely well-liked and held in the highest regard Paul West, West Mercia Chief Constable Profile: Pc Richard Gray Pc Gray's body was identified by a colleague.[Pc Gray] was very popular with his colleagues, extremely well-liked and held in the highest regard Paul West, West Mercia Chief Constable Profile: Pc Richard Gray Pc Gray's body was identified by a colleague.
A date has not yet been given for when the inquest will resumed.A date has not yet been given for when the inquest will resumed.
Married Pc Gray, known as Ricky, was a firearms-trained police officer who had been commended five times for bravery.Married Pc Gray, known as Ricky, was a firearms-trained police officer who had been commended five times for bravery.
West Mercia Chief Constable Paul West said he had previously won recognition for his part in the arrests of two armed men. West Mercia Police Chief Constable Paul West said he had previously won recognition for his part in the arrests of two armed men.
Detectives confirmed 33-year-old Mr Medlicott's rifle was "legally held".
A post-mortem examination revealed both men died from single gunshot wounds to the head.A post-mortem examination revealed both men died from single gunshot wounds to the head.
'Excellent officer' Armed threat
The force said a police armed response unit had been called to attend a domestic incident at 0610 BST on Sunday in New Park Road.The force said a police armed response unit had been called to attend a domestic incident at 0610 BST on Sunday in New Park Road.
Unarmed officers had initially attended the scene, as there was indication of an armed threat, before they radioed for help saying they had been held at gunpoint. Unarmed officers had initially attended the scene as there was no indication of an armed threat. They then radioed for help saying they had been held at gunpoint.
"Both authorised firearms officers were armed and as they went forward they were confronted by a man who shot Pc Ricky Gray, " said Det Ch Insp Sheila Thornes."Both authorised firearms officers were armed and as they went forward they were confronted by a man who shot Pc Ricky Gray, " said Det Ch Insp Sheila Thornes.
"Approximately an hour later, the body of a man, now identified as Medlicott, was located by officers close to the scene.""Approximately an hour later, the body of a man, now identified as Medlicott, was located by officers close to the scene."
She said police were not looking for anyone else in connection with the shooting.She said police were not looking for anyone else in connection with the shooting.
Mr West told a press conference on Monday: "Pc Gray was an excellent officer. He was very popular with his colleagues, extremely well-liked and held in the highest regard. And detectives confirmed Mr Medlicott's rifle was "legally held".
"The fact he had been recommended for five commendations spoke volumes about his character."
The officer had previously worked for Cheshire Constabulary, serving in the Warrington area from 1997. He later joined the armed response unit before transferring to West Mercia Police in 2003.
The inquest is expected to hear identification evidence of the two men before being adjourned.