PC Ian Dibell: Inquest into death of off-duty officer
PC Ian Dibell: Inquest told of struggle with Peter Reeve
(about 3 hours later)
An inquest is due to reopen later into the death of an off-duty police officer shot dead in Essex as he went to protect a member of the public.
A policeman was "actively attempting" to wrestle a weapon from a gunman moments before he was fatally shot, an inquest has heard.
PC Ian Dibell, 41, a father-of-two, was killed near his home in Clacton-on-Sea, on 9 July last year.
PC Ian Dibell, 41, a father-of-two, was killed near his home in Clacton-on-Sea, on 9 July last year. Trevor Marshall, 48, was also injured in the attack.
Essex and Thurrock coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray will preside at the inquest at Chelmsford Crown Court.
PC Dibell's suspected killer, Peter Reeve, 64, was found shot dead in a churchyard in Writtle, near Chelmsford.
PC Dibell's suspected killer, Peter Reeve, 64, was found shot dead in a churchyard in Writtle, near Chelmsford.
Mr Reeve had been on the run as a large police manhunt was mounted.
Inquests into both deaths are currently under way in Chelmsford.
A member of the public, Trevor Marshall, 48, was also injured in the attack.
After PC Dibell was shot and killed, a large police manhunt was mounted in search of Mr Reeve.
Off work injured
His body was found the following day. The hearing continues.
Home Secretary Theresa May joined family members and police officers at a memorial service at St James Church in Clacton-on-Sea last August.
In a message of condolence, the Prince of Wales said PC Dibell's death served as a reminder of the sacrifices officers make and the dangers they face.
Essex chief constable Jim Barker-McCardle also paid tribute to PC Dibell, telling the congregation that the ultimate duty of a police constable was to protect life.
At the time of his death, PC Dibell had been off work with a hand injury suffered while on duty.
