MURDERED Clacton police officer Ian Dibell has posthumously been awarded the George Medal for gallantry.

PC Dibell was shot close to his home in Redbridge Road in July 2012 as he bravely confronted a gunman.

He was shot while trying to wrestle a gun through a car window.

It has now been announced that PC Dibell is the first police officer in the country to receive the George Cross in 21 years.

Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh, said: "Essex Police could not be more proud to learn that Police Constable Ian Dibell has been awarded the George Medal.

"This award ranks PC Dibell, quite rightly, as one of the bravest people in the country.

“He selflessly and knowingly put his own life at risk to protect the innocent people of Clacton.”

PC Dibell was off-duty when he heard Peter Reeve, who later shot himself dead at a cemetery in Chelmsford, firing a gun at his neighbours.

After hearing the gunshots, PC Dibell got his warrant card and ran towards Reeve’s vehicle, which was about 80 metres from his home.