Raoul Moat Victim David Rathband Found Dead

David Rathband, the police officer who was shot and blinded by gunman Raoul Moat has been found dead at his home in Northumberland.

Though the Northumbria Police did not give out the reason for Rathband's death, he is believed to have committed suicide by hanging, the Sun reported.

A twitter message from the Northumbria Police read :

Tributes have been tweeted on the police officer who received an award for bravery last year.

"Really saddened to hear the news about PC David Rathband, inspirational man but there's only so much the mind can take".

"So shocked and saddened to hear of PC David Rathband's death. Such a lovely man, robbed of so much.Thoughts go out to Kath and family today".

"A wonderful man that fought the hardest battle You inspired us all. May you rest in peace in the knowledge we are so proud PC David Rathband".

Rathband was shot at close range by Moat when he was sitting unarmed in his patrol car in the Denton Burn area in Newcastle on 4 July, 2010.

On the previous day, Moat shot his ex-girlfriend Samantha Stobbart and killed her partner, Chris Brown.

The triple shootings sparked a massive manhunt, which ended a week later when Moat shot himself dead in a standoff with police.

Rathband lost his eyesight in the shootout. After his injury, Rathband started his charity organisation, Blue Lamp Foundation, to provide help to emergency service staff injured in the line of duty.