Federation pays tribute to PC Richard Gray

6 May 2023

West Mercia Police Federation has paid tribute to PC Richard Gray who was shot dead while on duty 16 years ago today.

Richard, known as Ricky to family and friends, was killed after being called out to a domestic disturbance in Shrewsbury on 6 May 2007.

The trained firearms officer was shot in the head as he tried to protect two unarmed colleagues who had been taken hostage by a gunman who later turned the weapon on himself.

The 43-year-old father of two had previously served for 16 years in the Army and completed two tours of Northern Ireland with the Black Watch Regiment, receiving five commendations for bravery.

He was posthumously awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery.

West Mercia Police Federation chair Barry Horton said Richard had demonstrated extraordinary courage and had selflessly put the safety of others above his own.

He said: “PC Richard Gray acted in the very best traditions of policing and his bravery, heroism and sacrifice will never be forgotten by his colleagues in West Mercia or by the wider policing family.

“Our thoughts today are with the family and friends he left behind and also with colleagues who may still be serving officers and live with the horror of this incident every day.”