A MEMORIAL stone was unveiled in memory of a murdered police officer on the anniversary of his death.

PC Ian Dibell was shot dead as he tried to disarm gunman Peter Reeve close to his home in Redbridge Road, Great Clacton on July 9, 2012.

The unarmed and off-duty officer, who died aged 41, was praised for saving the lives of Trevor Marshall and his girlfriend Kat Karolak, who paranoid Reeve wrongly believed to be drug dealers and counterfeiters.

Friends and colleagues of PC Dibell gathered in the garden at Clacton police station on Tuesday morning for a short service to mark the first anniversary of his death.

Following the private service, taken by Tendring’s police chaplain the Rev Pauline Bailey, a memorial was unveiled to commemorate the officer.

Following the service, divisional commander Chief Insp Cat Barrie said: "The loss of our friend and colleague, PC Ian Dibell , will remain with us forever.

“Ian’s brave and selfless act on that fateful day last year undoubtedly saved other lives but it was a typical display of the qualities that he had as a police officer.

"My officers and staff in Tendring are united in their cause to remember and celebrate the life of Ian, who died a hero, and we continue daily to wear our uniform with pride."