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Funeral service for shot officer Funeral service for shot officer
(about 1 hour later)
The funeral is taking place of a police officer shot while attending a domestic dispute in Shropshire. The funeral has taken place of a police officer who was shot while attending a domestic dispute in Shropshire.
Pc Richard Gray, originally from Dundee, was shot during an incident in Castlefields, Shrewsbury, on 6 May. Pc Richard Gray, 43, originally from Dundee, was shot during an incident in Castlefields, Shrewsbury, on 6 May.
The suspected gunman, Peter Medlicott, was later also found dead at the property.The suspected gunman, Peter Medlicott, was later also found dead at the property.
More than 700 mourners are attending the service at the Abbey Church in Shrewsbury, which will be followed by a private burial. More than 700 mourners attended the service at the Abbey Church in Shrewsbury, which will be followed by a private burial.
The funeral was conducted with full police and military honours.The funeral was conducted with full police and military honours.
Lone piperLone piper
West Mercia Police Chief Constable Paul West said Pc Gray "was trusted and reliable".West Mercia Police Chief Constable Paul West said Pc Gray "was trusted and reliable".
He added: "His expertise was greatly admired and he was always prepared to lead from the front. The 43-year-old had been commended five times for bravery including for his part in the arrests of two armed men.
Pc Gray married his long-term partner last yearPc Gray married his long-term partner last year
Mr West added: "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.""In short, he was a gentleman, a role model for others and ultimately a hero."
Prior to the service, the procession passed by Shrewsbury Police Station so colleagues could pay respects. Pc Matt Crisp, who worked with Pc Gray for four years, told the service working with him was like being in the movies.
Pc Gray had been commended five times for bravery including recognition for his part in the arrests of two armed men. He described how Pc Gray commandeered a taxi in Shrewsbury town centre, shouting to the driver: "Follow that man."
A lone piper from his former regiment, the Black Watch, led the procession along with the West Mercia Constabulary standard bearer. Another colleague, Pc Chris Duffner, said Pc Gray was courageous and had a dry wit.
His wife Jenny, whom he married in Venice last August, followed the coffin with 40 marching officers from Shrewsbury police station. He said: "Where life depended on the actions we might take, if he needed to, Ricky never for a moment hesitated in going forward.
Pc Gray also had two grown-up sons from his first marriage "Rick was always there 100% - no half measures.
'Soul-mates'
"He was always there for us, never to be doubted, one of only a few who I would truly trust my life with."
Pc Gray's brother-in-law Terrence Lee delivered a eulogy on his family's behalf.
He said: "Ricky was a great friend and a beacon of calm and serenity to our family.
"Above all, he was a wonderful husband to Jenny. Ricky enjoyed what Jenny enjoyed, because they were soul-mates.
"He loved his family, he loved his friends and he loved life. We loved Ricky and we will cherish forever the memories we have of him."
Pc Gray, who had two grown-up sons from his first marriage, had married Jenny in Venice last August.
She walked behind the coffin with 40 marching officers from Shrewsbury police station.
The procession was led by a lone piper from his former regiment, the Black Watch, and a West Mercia Constabulary standard bearer.
It had also passed by the police station so colleagues could pay respects.
The service was conducted by Rev David Mawson, chaplain for the police force's Shropshire division.The service was conducted by Rev David Mawson, chaplain for the police force's Shropshire division.