Posthumous bravery award recommended for Essex PC

An Essex Police officer who died after being shot by a gunman he was trying to stop while off-duty should receive posthumous bravery awards, his former force has said.

Ian Dibell, 41, was killed in Clacton-on-Sea on July 9 last year when attempting to tackle Peter Reeve, 64, who killed himself a day after the incident which led to the officer’s death.

At PC Dibell’s inquest, coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray acknowledged the bravery shown by the officer, returning a verdict of unlawful killing on April 8. She also recommended the award of a medal for “gallantry” for his actions.

Jim Barker-McCardle, chief constable of Essex Police, led the tributes to PC Dibell.

He said: “The inquest hearing has given us an opportunity to learn in more detail about the courage and bravery of Ian, who despite recognising the danger that he faced, selflessly tackled Peter Reeve to protect others.

“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.”

Assistant Chief Constable Julia Wortley confirmed the force “will be pursuing all appropriate commendations and awards” to honour the memory of PC Dibell.

Nick Alston, police and crime commissioner for Essex, also praised the officer’s courageous actions.

“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,” he said.

“PC Dibell’s family, friends and colleagues, and the people of Essex, should never forget Ian or his sacrifice. He represented the very best tradition of British policing.”

The family of PC Dibell thanked everyone who supported them as they dealt with his death.

“Ian’s death has been an event in our lives that we do not think we will ever come to terms with. The loss of a loved one is never easy, but to lose a loved one under such circumstances is something that is beyond comprehension.

“The 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. Ian acted out of instinct to preserve the safety of others.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support and all of the hard work by Essex Police in the immediate aftermath of Ian’s death and continued support in the subsequent months. We would also like to thank the press for their restraint and continued respect in allowing us to grieve for Ian.”