A manhunt for a gunman who shot dead an off-duty police officer in Essex after he intervened in a potentially dangerous situation is continuing.

PC Ian Dibell, 41, was shot in a street in Clacton-on-Sea by Peter Reeve in the afternoon of 9 July as he rushed out of his home after he heard gunshots,

Essex Police are still looking for Reeve, 64, who shot and injured another man in the leg before escaping.

Police have warned the public that Reeve is dangerous and still potentially armed.

An abandoned car found at the junction of Epping Close and Jubilee Avenue in Clacton belongs to Reeve, who now lives in Fairlop Close but has connections to the Chelmsford.

Essex police have said they will "not rest" until they find Reeve.

He is described as white, around 5ft 10in tall with short greyish hair and of stocky build. He was wearing jeans and possibly glasses and should not be approached.

Ian Dibell was described as a "much loved colleague" (Essex Police)
Ian Dibell was described as a "much loved colleague" (Essex Police)

Essex Police Chief Constable Jim Barker-McCardle said Dibell was "a highly regarded and much loved colleague who has been an important part of Essex Police for 10 years.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of our incredibly brave and fallen colleague.

"The entire force grieves but we are aware the job is to bring this man to justice and make sure we do everything we can to look after most important people, the family and friends of our fallen colleague,"

"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."

Police have also urged Peter Reeve to contact police himself.

Det Supt Liam Osborne of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said: "I urge Peter Reeve to get in contact with us. We need to bring this matter to a safe conclusion. If you contact the police we will deploy without delay."

Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said: "I am shocked and appalled by the terrible news from Essex and our thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of PC Ian Dibell.

"We are all reminded that police officers on or off duty put themselves in harm's way to protect the public and they have our greatest admiration for their bravery, for what they do and the risks they take daily to keep us safe."