MURDERED police officer PC Ian Dibell has been described as an "experienced and professsional" neighbourhood officer by police chiefs.

PC Ian Dibell died after being shot during an incident off Redbridge Road, Clacton, on Monday afternoon.

Chief Constable Jim Barker-McCardle officially confirmed it was PC Dibell who died during the incident at press conferene at Essex Police HQ in Chelmsford.

The 41-year-old had been a police officer for ten years, but was off-duty at the time.

Police confirmed they received a number of telephone calls about the incident at about 3.40pm.

The suspect, Peter Reeve, was seen arguing with another man, following which PC Dibell intervened.

Mr Barker-McCardle alledged Reeve shot PC Dibell with a handgun.

The off-duty officer died at the scene.

The other man was shot in the leg. He has now been released from hospital under police protection.

Officers found a suspected getaway car abandoned at the junction of Epping Way and Jubilee Avenue.

"Policing is a family and we are all hurting," said Mr Barker-McCardle.

"Policing is a mission that ultimately some die for."

The officer's actions were described as "incredibly brave".

PC Dibell was from a family with deep roots in Essex Police and he still has family members who are serving.

Reeves is thought to have links to both Clacton and Chelmsford.

Anyone who sees him is told not to approach, but to phone 999, as he is thought to be armed and dangerous.