ARMED officers provided gun cover while the victim of a gunshot wound was treated by paramedics, a court heard.

PC Neil Rowland was the first into Timothy Mardon’s home in Sible Hedingham after the millionaire insurer had been shot, in February this year.

Speaking from the witness box at Chelmsford Crown Court he said: “The suspects were there for a considerable time and there was a time when the phone went quiet.

“We had concerns for his safety.

“We were mindful the suspects may still be at the property.

“I entered the premises having obtained Taser authority as we were travelling there.”

PC Rowland entered the bedroom to find Mr Mardon, 47, lying on the floor with a “golf ball-sized” shotgun wound to his left thigh.

“There was a large pool of blood. I could see he had tied a pair of trousers around his thigh, they were soaked in blood, and he was still bleeding.”

Once it became clear a weapon had been fired the officers drew their guns while armed back-up arrived.

PC Rowland said: “We formed a stronghold between the bedroom and the stairs in case we were confronted by someone else with a firearm.”

Mr Mardon could not be moved in case the attackers were still there but PC Rowland was able to apply a tourniquet.

Judge David Turner QC said: “I suspect Mr Mardon may owe you a debt of gratitude.”

By now eight armed officers were creating a corridor of safety.

Paramedic Colin Johnson, via a written statement, added: “An officer shouted ‘He has been shot, get there now’.

“They were pointing their guns in and out of rooms as we went in.

“There was a lot of blood.”

Mr Mardon was taken to Colchester General Hospital by ambulance while the home was secured.

The trial has heard the armed gang stole cash and jewellery from the millionaire’s mansion.

Charlie Simms, 23, of North Road, Great Yeldham, is on trial for attempted murder.

Simms, Kalebh Shreeve, 24, of Gibson Road, Sible Hedingham, and Christoper Bergin, 27, of Hawkwood Road, Halstead, are charged with aggravated burglary, wounding with intent, possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

All three deny all the charges.

  •  The trial continues