THE POLICE OFFICER who was shot and blinded by Raoul Moat in 2010 has been found dead at his home.
David Rathband was discovered by police in the north of England last night after concerns were raised for his welfare. No-one else is being sought in connection with the death.
Rathband, who had joined the Northumbria police in 2000, was shot at close range by Moat as he sat in a parked police car during the hunt for the gunman in July 2010. Rathband played dead to avoid being killed by Moat.
The chief constable of the police in Northumbria said that Rathband had been a dedicated officer who had acted in the best traditions of the police service.
Sue Sim said that Rathband’s life had changed forever after being shot by Moat. “David showed outstanding bravery in what was a terrifying situation,” said Sim.
Police and the ambulance service were called to Rathband’s home at around 7pm last night, where the officer was found dead at the scene, the Guardian reports.
Raoul Moat killed one person and seriously injured two other people during a shooting spree days after he was released from prison in July 2010.
Moat went on the run from police after killing his ex-girlfriend’s partner. He killed himself six days later after a standoff with police.
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