Clacton: Tributes to PC Ian Dibell

10 July 2012, 11:28

Tributes have been pouring in for a police officer who was shot dead in Clacton.

His family said in a statement: "The family are devastated by the news. We are immensely proud of Ian and the courage he showed.

"We take some comfort from his bravery.

"Policing was in his blood and Ian selflessly went to the aid of people in desperate need without fear or thought for his own safety. It was who he was, a hero.

"He has paid for the act in the most devastating way. He will be deeply missed and no words can describe the loss.

"He was very much loved by his family.

"We would like to thank Essex Police, friends and colleagues within the policing family and the public for their kind words and support.

"Finally the family now asks that the media leave us in piece to grieve for Ian.''

Sir Hugh Orde, President of the Association of Chief Police Officers, was among senior policemen who hailed Pc Ian Dibell's bravery after he was killed while attending an address in Redbridge Road yesterday (Monday July 9th).e.

Sir Hugh said: "The death of our colleague in Essex is deeply sad news for the police service. Pc Ian Dibell died while knowingly walking towards danger, as police officers are called upon to do on behalf of the public they serve.

"The courage he showed in stepping up to do his duty, without thought for his own safety, sums up what it means to be a police officer. The thoughts of everyone in the police family are with his colleagues, family and friends at this difficult time.''

Essex Police Chief Constable Jim Barker-McCardle told a press conference at the force's Chelmsford headquarters that Pc Dibell was a "brave, respected and experienced neighbourhood officer''.

Mr Barker-McCardle said the officer had "deliberately intervened in what he knew was an extremely deadly situation'', adding: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of our brave, fallen colleague.''

The chief constable continued: "Policing is a family and we are all hurting.

"This dreadful event reminds us all that policing is a mission that ultimately some die for.

"We will not rest until his killer is found.''

Paul McKeever, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, also paid tribute to Pc Dibell, saying: "This is extremely tragic and devastating news. Police Constable Ian Dibell demonstrated remarkable courage and bravery whilst off-duty and has paid the ultimate price.

"The thoughts of the entire police service are with his family, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time.''

Mark Smith, chairman of the Essex Police Federation, added: "This is a terrible tragedy and our thoughts and prayers are with Pc Ian Dibell's family, friends and colleagues at this extremely sad time.

"Constable Ian Dibell was a dedicated professional officer who, even though off duty, has paid the ultimate sacrifice for his bravery and selfless actions in trying to protect his local community.

"This appalling incident highlights the dangers that police officers face every day.

"No words can help those closest to Pc Dibell at this terribly distressing time but I hope they will find some comfort in knowing that the loss of this brave man is mourned by the entire police family throughout the United Kingdom."

Home Secretary Theresa May has released a statement saying: "I have spoken to Chief Constable Jim Barker-McCardle to offer my sincere regret that an Essex Police officer has been fatally shot. 

"Our police officers keep us safe day in and day out and sadly PC Ian Dibell has paid the ultimate price.

"I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to the officer's family and to his colleagues in Essex Police at this difficult time."