Shot officer: 'I bear no malice towards Raoul Moat'
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The police officer who was shot and injured by Raoul Moat said today: "I bear no malice towards the man who shot me."
In a statement issued through the Northumbria force, Pc David Rathband thanked everyone who had helped him and sent him messages of support.
He said: "I bear no malice towards the man who shot me but now wish to move on with my life.
"I am acutely aware of the impact events have had on many people and my thoughts are with them all, particularly the family of Chris Brown."
Pc Rathband's full statement said: "I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped me, in particular those officers who came to my immediate aid at the scene and helped to save my life.
"All the medical and nursing staff who have cared for me have been fantastic and I am indebted to them.
"I have received lots of encouragement from police colleagues locally and from across the country.
"I am grateful to all those officers from many forces who have helped me and my family during the last week and to my own shift of officers who have given me their full support.
"My family have lived in the North East for some years now and I have always been impressed by the warmth of local people.
"The good wishes, cards and letters I have received, some from total strangers, have moved me greatly.
"I wish to personally thank the Chief Constable for her support, compassion and personal assurances to me and my family.
"She has been a tower of strength.
"I bear no malice towards the man who shot me but now wish to move on with my life.
"I am acutely aware of the impact events have had on many people and my thoughts are with them all, particularly the family of Chris Brown.
"My injuries are life-changing. It will require significant adjustments in the future in all aspects of my life.
"I enjoy my job as a police officer and I am totally committed to serving the public.
"Although I face long-term treatment, I am determined to return to duty as a police officer."
The 42-year-old married father of two was shot in an "unprovoked attack" at a roundabout joining the A1 and A69 in East Denton, Newcastle, in the early hours of Sunday, July 4.