Ian Dibell funeral: Hero off-duty policeman who tried to stop crazed gunman from firing at neighbour is laid to rest

By
Helen Lawson

14:08 EST, 31 July 2012

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15:57 EST, 31 July 2012

PC Ian Dibell died as he tried to stop a gunman while off-duty at the beginning of July

Proud colleagues formed a guard of honour today to pay their final respects at the funeral of an off-duty policeman who was shot dead as he tried to stop a gunman attacking his neighbour.

PC Ian Dibell, 41, was fatally shot in the chest near his home in Clacton, Essex, on July 9.

It is thought he was going to the aid of neighbour Trevor Marshall, 48, who was injured in the attack.

His suspected killer, Peter Reeve, 64, fled the scene and shot himself dead in a churchyard in Writtle, near Chelmsford, the following day after a massive police manhunt.

PC Dibell was laid to rest in a private funeral service attended by around 130 people at the Weeley Crematorium near Clacton.

His coffin was draped in the Essex police flag with his helmet placed on top, while 24 colleagues in ceremonial dress formed a guard of honour.

Six police pallbearers carried the coffin into the service.

Essex chief constable Jim Barker-McCardle saluted the coffin as it passed, accompanied by local MP Douglas Carswell and Essex Police Authority chairman Anthony Jackson.

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Chief Constable Barker-McCardle paid personal tribute to PC Dibell praising his ‘incredible devotion to his community’.

Colleagues bowed their heads to pay their respects as the cortege carrying PC Dibell’s body arrived at Weeley Crematorium today

Essex Police colleagues act as pallbearers at the beginning of the service near Clacton

In a tribute given earlier this month he
said: ‘Ian was an extraordinary man doing an extraordinary job. He was
proud of his family’s police service, proud to be an Essex Police
officer and proud to serve the community in which he lived.

‘He was personable, charming, always immaculately dressed and very popular with his colleagues.

‘Ian’s tragic death reminds us all that it’s not the uniform that makes a police officer but the instinctive, brave and selfless help to others. 

‘I have no doubt that Ian knew of the danger he was facing when he stepped in to protect a member of the public whilst off duty and without any thought for his own safety.

The coffin of the murdered police officer is carried into Weeley Crematorium as his police helmet rests on top

‘He had an incredible devotion to his community – a devotion which led to his paying the ultimate price.’

The popular policeman had served in Clacton since 2009, having spent eight years prior to this as an officer in Colchester.

A public memorial service is planned for August 15 at St James’ church, Clacton.

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