Hundreds mourn hero policeman

Hundreds of mourners turned out to pay their respects to Pc Richard Gray, known as Ricky, who was killed when he was called to a domestic dispute in Shrewsbury on May 6.

Speaking at the service at Shrewsbury Abbey, Paul West, the chief constable of the West Mercia force, paid tribute to Pc Gray's "professionalism, modesty and pride" in being a police officer. He said: "He was conscientious and cared deeply about his work, and especially his role as an armed response officer.

"He discharged his responsibilities without fuss and with the air of someone who knew exactly what was expected of him.

"He was trusted and reliable, his expertise was greatly admired and he was always prepared to lead from the front. In short, he was a gentleman, a role model for others and ultimately a hero."

Mr West said the events of May 6 - when 43-year-old Pc Gray was shot by rat-catcher Peter Medlicott as he came to the aid of two unarmed colleagues being held at gunpoint - had devastated a family, traumatised a police force and shocked the nation.

Originally from Dundee, Pc Gray spent 17 years as a soldier with the Black Watch regiment before joining Cheshire Police, then transferring to West Mercia in 2003.

During his time at West Mercia, the father of two received four police commendations and one judge's commendation for bravery, professionalism and outstanding policing.

A procession led by a lone Black Watch piper and the West Mercia Constabulary standard bearer, and flanked by police motorcyclists, brought the constable's coffin through Shrewsbury town centre to the abbey.

As the cortege left the abbey to take Pc Gray's coffin away for a private burial, 400 uniformed officers lined the road, including the chief constable, who saluted the coffin as it passed.