Essex gunman Peter Reeve believed to be dead after body found in graveyard

Armed police had surrounded a house in Writtle near Chelmsford after searching for Reeve since monday afternoon.

A press conference will take place at 10:30 am and it is expected that the police will detail about how the manhunt was resolved.

PC Ian Dibell was described as a "brave, respected officer" by his colleagues.

Sir Hugh, President of the Association of Chief Police Officers, 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."

PC Ian Dibell, who was off-duty at the time, was killed by 64 years old Peter Reeve, while attending an address in Clacton, on Monday. Residents were advised to stay indoors as armed police carried out a hunt for Peter Reeve and spread out across the town evening and a police helicopter hovered overhead following the shootings.

Essex Police Chief Constable, Mr Barker-McCardle said that Ian "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."

Photo: Essex Police