The founder of the Blue Lamp Foundation, PC David Rathband who was blinded when he was shot in the face by gunman Raoul Moat in July 2010, was found dead in his home in Blyth last night after police received a report of concern over his welfare.

A statement on the Blue Lamp Foundation website, posted by press officer Sharron Ashurst 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.

"David’s legacy will live on in the form of The Blue Lamp Foundation, which bears his name. The Foundation was started by David to help emergency services personnel injured in the line of duty as the result of a criminal act.

"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."

PC Rathband was in his stationary patrol vehicle in East Denton, near Newcastle, when he was shot in the face by Moat, who had just been released from prison after serving an 18-week sentence for assaulting a nine-year-old relative. Within 48 hours of being released from prison, Moat had already shot his ex-girlfriend and murdered her new boyfriend. PC Rathband was then shot, being scarred for life and permanently losing his sight. A manhunt for Moat ensued, ending in his death when he was eventually surrounded by police.

PC Rathband was instantly thrown into the public eye after his heroic recovery and had since become a prolific fundraiser, tweeter (with over 11,000 followers) and author of the book Tango 190 which told his side of the shooting.

He launched the Blue Lamp Foundation in September 2010 as a grantmaking charity for personnel of the Emergency Services who have been injured in the line of duty as a result of a criminal act. He remained as trustee of the charity.

PC Rathband had returned from visiting family in Australia earlier in the week. His brother Darren Rathband, who lives in Australia, has been tweeting as the announcement of his death has unfolded. Yesterday he tweeted, "Some people look like pencils after trauma and loss. On the exterior functioning well, on the inside broken Do you know any pencils??"... "If so please visit one and make sure they are coping, even if they don't answer your calls.. That pencil may just snap and b lost 4ever ;-(".

Today Darren is travelling back to the UK to "be at my brother's side".