THE funeral of a policeman who was tragically shot dead while off duty has been held.


An Essex Police guard of honour was given to PC Ian Dibell.
 

The private funeral was held yesterday at Weeley Crematorium, near Clacton.


PC Dibell, 41, came to the aid of a couple who were under fire in Clacton on July 9.
 

The man and the woman managed to escape the gunman but PC Dibell, who bravely put his life on the line, was fatally wounded.
 

The prime suspect, Peter Reeve, 64, fled the scene and made his way to Chelmsford.
 

He was found dead in the graveyard at All Saints Church in Writtle on July 10 after apparently shooting himself in the head.
 

After the tragedy a campaign was started to award PC Dibell the George Cross
 

The Facebook campaign, which has attracted thousands of signatures, was launched by a group of retired police officers.


They have also written to Essex MPs, Prince Charles and the Home Office asking for support.


The George Cross is the highest civilian award for bravery.
 

Campaign spokesman Chris Willcock said: "“Ian was brave and heroic. And the best way to ensure his selfless actions are never forgotten is to award him the George Cross.
"This accolade is rarely awarded, but is awarded for ‘acts of the greatest heroism or of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger’.
"I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this recognition than Ian. Everyone that knew and loved Ian is still raw with grief, but we want to ensure that he gets this rightful recognition."
 

Police are still keen to hear from anyone who can help piece together Reeve's final movements.
 

Anyone who can help detectives can call Colchester’s Major Investigation Team on 101 or e-mail scdappeals@essex.pnn. police.uk.