PC David Rathband, who was shot and blinded by gunman Raoul Moat in 2010, has been found dead at his home in Northumberland in a suspected suicide.
The body of David Rathband was found at his home in Blyth on Wednesday night, after officers received a report of concern for his welfare. He was declared dead at the scene.
Northumbria Police said investigations were under way but no-one else was being sought in connection with the death.
The coroner was informed of the death.
Police Chief Constable Sue Sim paid tribue to the 44-year-old father of two for his work as a “dedicated officer”.
“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.
“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,” she said.
I am deeply saddened to have to confirm the death of Pc David Rathband. 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. -Northumbria Police Chief Constable Sue Sim
In July 2010, PC Rathband lost his sight and was fitted with prosthetic eyes after he was shot twice at close range by fugitive Raoul Moat.
A day earlier, Moat had shot and injured his ex-girlfriend Samantha Stobbart, 22, and killed her boyfriend 29-year-old Chris Brown. He was pursued by police for six days before he shot himself dead after a stand-off with police in the town of Rothbury, Northumberland.
Following the attack, Rathband started his own charity, Blue Lamp Foundation, in order to provide support to emergency service officers who had suffered similar injuries or trauma in the line of duty.
In a statement on its website the charity said: “It is with great sadness that we learn of the death of David Rathband.
“Since being shot in July 2010, David struggled to come to terms with his horrific injuries and the traumatic effect they had on him and his family and friends.
“It was David’s wish that those who found themselves in a similar position to him could receive the support that wasn’t available to him at the time.
“David’s family have asked that their privacy be respected at this time and they are allowed the time and space to reflect and grieve.”
In November, PC Rathband announced on Twitter that he and his wife Kath were separating permanently.
But he said the move was not related to his arrest on suspicion of assault, but was “so that he can ultimately continue to support his family”.
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 afterwards.
Chief constable Sim, revealed that the force was working towards bringing PC Rathband back to work in the road safety unit.
“I gave a commitment to him on the day he was so tragically shot doing the job that he loved that he would return to work as a police officer for Northumbria Police.
“I was hoping he would be returning to work in April. I am devastated by the fact that this is no longer going to be the case.”
Pc Sim added that the force was working with Pc Rathband on a support package, a welfare package and medical care provision.
In March last year two men, Karl Ness, 26, and Qhuram Awan, 23, were convicted of helping Raoul Moat.
Both were found guilty of the attempted murder of PC Rathband as well as other charges.
Speaking after sentencing, PC Rathband said: “These two individuals, along with the other coward who wasn’t man enough to stay here, have taken my job from me.”