Officer honoured with top award

Pc Gray confronted the man in the incident

A police officer shot dead by a gunman who had held two colleagues at gunpoint has been posthumously honoured with a bravery award.

Pc Richard Gray, 43, was shot after a domestic incident at New Park Road, Shrewsbury, escalated in May 2007.

Pc Mat Crisp, who was also called to the incident, collected the Police Bravery Award in London on Thursday.

PC Gray's widow, Jenny, received his award from Home Secretary Jacqui Smith at the Dorchester Hotel in London.

Pc Ricky Gray was an outstanding officer who paid the ultimate price Paul West, chief constable of West Mercia Police

Pc Gray and Pc Crisp, who were part of an armed response, had been called to provide back up to the two colleagues being held at gunpoint.

The two officers who arrived first were met with a situation, where a man threatening his partner was carrying a rifle, which he then turned on the unarmed officers.

One of the officers pressed the emergency button on his police radio, alerting the control room.

Pc Gray ran down an alleyway to the back of the house, which distracted the gunman, allowing the two unarmed officers to escape.

Pc Gray confronted the man and a shot was fired. His killer was found in the back garden, having taken his own life.

'Highest esteem'

Paul West, chief constable of West Mercia Police said Pc Crisp and Pc Gray acted with "tremendous bravery" and the award "recognises the selflessness of their actions".

He said: "Pc Ricky Gray was an outstanding officer who paid the ultimate price.

"Ricky was very popular with his colleagues, extremely well liked and held in the highest esteem."

The award was made by the Police Federation in partnership with The Sun newspaper.