A MAN wanted over the killing of a policeman has been found dead in a churchyard near the district.

Police were hunting Peter Reeve, 64, after off-duty police officer Pc Ian Dibell, 41, was shot dead in Clacton, Essex, yesterday (Monday).

Essex Police Chief Constable Jim Barker-McCardle said he was found dead with a gun in Writtle, about six miles outside of Ongar.

It is thought Pc Dibell had intervened in a dispute near his home in Redbridge Road, Clacton, before he was shot. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Chief Con Barker-McCardle said: “I can confirm that Reeve was found dead with a weapon in a Writtle churchyard and that no shots were fired by police.

“I would like to thank all members of the public for their assistance to Essex Police throughout the night.

“Our thoughts, prayers and condolences remain with the family of our brave and fallen colleague.”

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