The police constable who was shot and blinded by gunman Raoul Moat in northern England almost two years ago has been found dead at his home, British police have confirmed.
The body of David Rathband was discovered by police at his home in Blyth, Northumberland, last night after officers received a report of concern for his welfare.
He was declared dead at the scene, Northumbria Police said.
The 44-year-old officer, who joined the Northumbria force in 2000, was shot twice on July 4th, 2010 as he sat unarmed in his patrol car at Rothbury.
PC Rathband, lost vision in both eyes after being shot at close range during the manhunt for fugitive Moat, who shot and injured his former partner Sam Stobbart and killed her new boyfriend, Chris Brown. The 37-year-old ex-doorman then shot himself in the head after being hit by a shotgun Taser round fired by police marksmen.
Praised for his charity work in the wake of his injuries, PC Rathband announced on Twitter in November that he and his wife Kath were separating permanently.
In September, just before the start of the inquest into Moat’s death, PC Rathband issued a statement saying he was to “live separately from his wife and family”.
But that statement stressed the move was “purely for David’s rehabilitation and so that he can ultimately continue to support his family”.
It said the move had nothing to do with his arrest on suspicion of assault and stressed “David and Kath are very much still a married couple who love each other”.
PC Rathband was arrested in August last year after officers were called to an incident at his home in Cramlington, Northumberland. He was understood to have been released shortly after police arrived.
Northumbria Police Chief Constable Sue Sim said: “I am deeply saddened to have to confirm the death of Pc David Rathband and my thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.
“In July 2010 his life changed for ever when he was shot and blinded by Raoul Moat. David showed outstanding bravery in what was a terrifying situation. He was a dedicated officer who acted in the best traditions of the police service.”
A police spokesman said no-one else was being sought in connection with the incident.
PA