Manhunt as police officer shot dead (From Your Local Guardian)

Manhunt as police officer shot dead

7:53pm Monday 9th July 2012 in National News © Press Association 2013

A manhunt is under way after a man, believed to be an off-duty police officer, was shot dead.

Essex Police said they were hunting a gunman after a double shooting in Redbridge Road, Clacton. One man was killed and another injured.

The force refused to comment on the identities of the victims, but the dead man is understood to be a police sergeant in his 40s.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "Residents are being urged to remain indoors while armed officers locate the gunman.

"Neighbourhood policing officers are maintaining a high-profile and visible presence in the community, supporting victims and witnesses.

"Members of the public are urged to contact police on 999 if they see the gunman who should not be approached."

Gary Sanderson, spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Service, said: "Sadly on our arrival a man was pronounced dead at the scene and a man has been taken to hospital with minor injuries."

A woman answering the phone at nearby Willow Tree Nursery and Children's Centre, which cares for children aged three months to 12 years, said: "We've just made sure we're secure, which we are anyway.

"The nursery is about to close anyway, the parents are able to get in and out to collect their children."

Adrienne Szabo, 36, a dental nurse in nearby practice Noble Dental Care, said: "We're due to be here until 8 o'clock and have locked the door to make sure we stay safe."