RETIRED police officers and staff have launched a campaign for their fallen comrade PC Ian Dibell to receive the George Cross posthumously.

PC Dibell was shot in the chest by Peter Reeve when he intervened in an incident near his home in Redbridge Road, Great Clacton, on Monday last week while off-duty.

Chris Willcock, a retired civilian worker with Essex Police, has launched a campaign alongside retired officers calling for PC Dibell to be awarded the honour.

The medal is the highest civilian decoration for gallantry in the UK and is the equivalent of the military’s Victoria Cross.

So far, more than 3,700 people have become a member of the campaign’s Facebook page.

Mr Willcock said: “The response has been amazing.

“We have received e-mails from all over the world and some extremely moving tributes to Ian, his bravery, and most importantly his family.

“We will be submitting our nomination to the honours and appointments secretariat at the Cabinet Office.

“It may be that by that time Chief Constable Jim Barker-McCardle, or the police authority, will submit their own nomination.

“In the event of that happening, there may be some combining of material.

“We will just ensure this particular act of bravery will not go without the recognition it deserves, as has happened with so many of our late colleagues.”

It is also hoped a memorial will be put up to honour Pc Dibell by the Police Memorial Trust, which is chaired by film director Michael Winner.

Mr Willcock said: “We contacted Michael Winner at the outset of this campaign and he has announced his charity will erect a memorial to Ian at a later stage.”

The George Cross has been awarded 161 times since it was established in 1940.

PC Dibell approached Reeve, who was chasing and shooting at Trevor Marshall, and was shot in the chest.

Reeve turned the gun on himself in a churchyard at Writtle the following morning.

Mr Marshall escaped with minor injuries.