Family 'devastated' after shooting

The constable, who has not been named, was gunned down near a flat in the Castlefields area of Shrewsbury, Shropshire, by an offender who is believed to have shot himself moments later.

The gunman, who has also yet to be identified, is said to have been involved in a heated row with his partner in the hours before the fatal shootings.

It is understood that no police firearm was discharged during the incident, and that a weapon was recovered from the scene.

The gunman was found dead near his home and the police officer pronounced dead on arrival at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, despite the efforts of paramedics to save him.

A spokesman for West Mercia Constabulary said post-mortem examinations on both men had yet to be carried out, although the force has confirmed its officer suffered a fatal firearm wound.

Speaking at a press conference at Shrewsbury Guildhall, the West Mercia Chief Constable, Paul West, paid tribute to the bravery of his officers.

Mr West told reporters: "The death of a serving police officer has had a profound effect on everyone who works for West Mercia Constabulary.

"While I am not yet in a position to name the officer who died because there are still members of his family who need to be notified, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the enormous dedication and bravery of all police officers who day in, day out, put themselves at risk to respond to calls for assistance."

The Chief Constable added: "The whole force is extremely shocked and saddened by the death of one of our colleagues and it is important to remember that another man has also died today. The family of the officer who has died are understandably devastated by what has happened and they have asked that the media respect their wish for privacy to enable them to cope and grieve over the coming days."