**The man accused of shooting dead four police officers in the US state of Washington is still alive and has been helped by friends, police say.**A sheriff’s spokesman said police had spoken to several people who had provided help to Maurice Clemmons since the attack on Sunday morning.
The gunman killed the officers as they sat in a cafe.
Police had earlier laid siege to the Seattle house where Mr Clemmons was believed to be but it was empty.
They are intensifying the search for Mr Clemmons, 37, with door-to-door searches and using sniffer dogs. He was apparently shot by one of the murdered officers.
A reward of $125,000 (£76,000) has been posted for information leading to his arrest.
‘Step ahead’
Ed Troyer, a spokesman for the Pierce County Sheriff, told the Associated Press news agency that the authorities believed Mr Clemmons had had help, gaining access to guns.
“It’s unfortunate he’s been a step or two ahead of us,” Mr Troyer said.
But he added: “We think his network of people helping him is running out. He’s probably on his own.”
Tiffany Ryan, a sister of one of the victims, appealed for information on the suspect’s capture.
“I would urge anyone who has information about the suspect - please come forward,” she told ABC.
The case has sparked anger because Mr Clemmons’ 95-year sentence for crimes in Arkansas was commuted in 2000 by then governor Mike Huckabee.
Brian Wurts, president of the police union in the murdered officers’ district of Lakewood, told AP: “This guy should have never been on the street. Our elected officials need to find out why these people are out.”
Earlier, Lakewood Police Chief Bret Farrar described the four victims as “good people and great officers”.
The four officers - Sgt Mark Renninger and officers Ronald Owens, Tina Griswold and Greg Richards - were shot dead at the cafe in Parkland, 40 miles (65km) south of Seattle.
Acting on a tip-off, officers sealed off part of the Leschi area of Seattle on Sunday night, while armed Swat team members ringed the house where Mr Clemmons was believed to be holed up.
As the siege continued through the night, witnesses heard loud bangs, breaking glass, explosions and shots.
But it was later revealed that Mr Clemmons was not in the house.
Chief Farrar, his voice breaking with emotion, told a news conference that he had visited the families of the murdered officers.
“It was the hardest thing I have ever done and I hope I never have to do it again,” he said.
“We will get through this, although it is a very difficult time for us and the families.”
He praised police teams involved in the hunt for the killer and added: “There is no doubt in my mind that this person will be brought to justice.”