Memorial planned to honour fallen Essex PC Ian Dibell

ESSEX Police is looking at creating a memorial to honour PC Ian Dibell, who was killed as he tried to tackle a gunman in Clacton-on-Sea last July.

Assistant Chief Constable Julia Wortley said a lasting tribute in Clacton was one of the several options being considered to recognise the officer’s bravery.

Mark Smith, chairman of Essex Police Federation, said the memorial would have the Federation’s backing.

Ms Wortley said there were “several options” being considered to honour PC Dibell both locally and nationally.

PC Dibell ran some 80 metres from his home to stop Peter Reeve, 64, firing a revolver at two members of the public. The weapon went off as PC Dibell tried to grab the gun’s muzzle, firing a shot through the palm of his right hand and then into his chest. He died at the scene and Reeve later killed himself.

At PC Dibell’s inquest on 8 April, Coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray said she wanted to highlight PC Dibell’s “extraordinary bravery” for his actions on 9 July last year and commended him for a Gallantry medal.

Ms Wortley said the force was “most appreciative of the huge outpouring of sympathy and respect for PC Ian Dibell”.

She added: “Many people, from across the United Kingdom and beyond, have expressed their strong desire for Ian to receive a posthumous award for his courageous and selfless actions to protect his community,” she said.

“Chief Constable Barker-McCardle is totally committed to ensuring that Ian’s bravery is fully recognised in the most appropriate and fitting manner.”

Following the inquest,

She added: “Any application must follow the customary protocols and should be led by the Chief Constable according to the prescribed process.

“Essex Police has already been approached by a numbers of bodies in relation to these matters and is exploring the possibility of creating a memorial in the Clacton area close to where Ian Dibell died.”