A Shropshire police officer, whose partner was shot and killed as he went to the aid of two unarmed colleagues, today talked for the first time of his “close friend” and “a brave man”.

Matthew Crisp, who has since been made a detective constable, said his partner Constable Richard Gray would never be forgotten. And he said the tragedy had focused attention on the dangers the police faced.

“It takes something like this before the public become aware of what can be going on, perhaps in the next street to where they live.

“I think people think because Shropshire is a rural county, this sort of thing does not happen but it can happen,” he said.

Constable Gray was killed during a domestic incident on May 6, 2007, in Castlefields, Shrewsbury.

Mr Crisp spoke after the pair were awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery for their actions in protecting their colleagues, who escaped from the scene. 

He said he felt the award had been partly given to recognise the dangers the police face on the streets.

During the incident, gunman Peter Medlicott shot Constable Gray and then turned the weapon on himself.

Mr Crisp paid tribute to his colleague.

He said: “Obviously he was my partner for a long time. He was a close friend. He was an excellent police officer and obviously a brave man.”

Mr Crisp said he was honoured to receive such a prestigious award.

He said: “For Ricky, it is well deserved. I think it goes to show his actions have been seen for what they were and he made the ultimate sacrifice and they have been recognised by the top award that you can be given really.”

Mr Crisp, 31, said Constable Gray would have been honoured by the award.

“He would have been really proud as well and he is very similar to myself.

“The potential is always there for every officer every day when they go out,” he said.

“I’m sure if the roles had been reversed the other officers would have done the same for us.”

By Rebecca Lawrence