WATCH: Family of Raoul Moat victim Pc David Rathband slam Northumbria Police for 'arrogance and insensitivity'

Stafford-born Mr Rathband was shot twice in the face and left for dead by Raoul Moat just minutes after the crazed gunman made a 999 call to warn he was out hunting for police.

Mr Rathband's sister and brother, Debbie Essery and Darren Rathband, a former Staffordshire Police officer himself, claimed Northumbria Police did not warn fellow officers in time and as a result Moat caught the Pc unaware as he sat stationary in a patrol car on prominent roundabout in Newcastle on the A1 in July 2010.

But yesterday High Court Judge Mr Justice Males rejected the claim and absolved Superintendent Jo Farrell, who was in charge of the force response to Moat, of any blame.

Defending her actions he warned the 'dangers of hindsight must be avoided' and said: "There was no guidance in any manual on which she could draw."

The judge also ruled that the claimants must pay the force's costs with an interim payment of £100,000 to be made within three weeks.

He said: "It is well established law that in making operational decisions concerning the investigation and suppression of crime, particularly when such decisions have to be made under pressure of crime, the police do not owe a private law duty of care either to members of the public or police officers."

Mr Rathband committed suicide in February 2012, almost two years after Moat shot him.

A statement read out on behalf of his siblings said: "Darren and myself are disappointed although not surprised by the judgement handed down today.

"Mistakes were made, policies and procedures have been changed, that fact remains.

"The arrogance and insensitivity of Northumbria Police throughout has been cruel to say the least.

"The public perception appears to be that police officers are looked after by their own force, this was definitely not the case for David, he was left alone on July 4 and thereafter not only by the force he was so proud to serve but by others whom he loved too."

It adds: "To those of you that have supported Darren and I we thank you, for those that have judged us without ever knowing the truth we thank you too, you gave us even more determination to carry on.

"To those of you that have not got the big pot of money you expected for doing nothing to help David, that makes this judgement a little easier.

"To David, no braver stronger, courageous and caring brother could we have been blessed with. We miss you so very much and your leaving us gets no easier.

"Your fight is now over and you can rest in peace, we love you David and are honoured to call you brother. Fly high darling you are now free."