HOME Secretary Theresa May today paid tribute to the PC Ian Dibell.

She said: "Our police officers keep us safe day in and day out and sadly Pc Ian Dibell has paid the ultimate price.

"I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to the officer's family and to his colleagues in Essex Police at this difficult time."

Mark Smith, chairman of the Essex Police Federation, added: "Constable Ian Dibell was a dedicated professional officer who, even though off duty, has paid the ultimate sacrifice for his bravery and selfless actions in trying to protect his local community.

"No words can help those closest to Pc Dibell at this terribly distressing time but I hope they will find some comfort in knowing that the loss of this brave man is mourned by the entire police family throughout the United Kingdom."

The former head of Essex Police's firearms unit, Mick Thwaites, paid tribute to Pc Dibell at the scene today.

Mr Thwaites, from Southend who is a candidate for the police and crime commissioner role, said: "It took huge courage and bravery. He responded to a call from the public with no consideration for his own life.

"He stepped in there to help someone in need and tragically, as a consequence of that, he lost his own life."