A special constable who found himself face-to-face with a gun-wielding thug today told how he felt more angry than afraid at being shot at.

Colin Smith, 45, whose regular job is running four music shops in south Essex, was left looking down the barrel of a handgun after coming to the aid of a man being brutally assaulted by two attackers.

Colin, from Basildon, was walking along Long Lynderswood in the town when he heard the cries of the victim. Despite being off-duty, he intervened and was set upon by one of the men.

He said: "I tried to arrest him for assault but we ended up in a full-blown fight, rolling around the pavement. He struggled free and they ran off down the road. I gave chase and up ahead noticed the two of them talking to two other men.

"These two started walking towards me and I just thought 'blimey, now there's four of them'. "I told them I was police and the shorter of the two raised his hand, palm downward. Then I noticed the firearm and heard the shot."

Despite the terrifying situation, Colin said his police training, given to all specials, kicked in.

He said: "To be honest, I was more angry than anything. That's the good thing about the training we receive - it's drilled into you to assess the situation, observe what's happening, where you are and what they look like.

"My first thought was there was someone out on the streets shooting a gun and the concerns for the safety of the public. That's how the training works - you're trained to protect the public.

"I shouted out again that I was police and they both ran. I think he realised I meant business."

Published Tuesday, February 25, 2003

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