Two policewomen killed in Manchester named
Two unarmed policewomen who died in Manchester are named as Fiona Bone, 32, and Nicola Hughes, 26. One of the country’s most wanted men is alleged to have lured them to their deaths.
Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Peter Fahy said the police received a call alleging a burglary had been committed at an address in Hattersley and when the officers arrived they were attacked with a gun and a grenade.
The Chief Constable said it was “routine” to send unarmed officers to a burglary call.
“We believe that Dale Cregan was in a house in Abbey Gardens overnight, and at some point this morning has either himself has made a call or had somebody else make a call reporting a burglary,” Sir Peter said.
He continued: “Clearly we are devastated today by the loss of two of our officers.
This is one of the darkest days in the history of the Greater Manchester Police. Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Peter Fahy
“This is one of the darkest days in the history of the Greater Manchester Police if not for the police service overall, because we have lost two deeply loved and valued colleagues, because they are part of our team, policing is very much a family.”
Following the shooting Cregan was arrested after walking into a police station.
Sir Peter said Miss Bone was a “calm, gentle woman”, an “excellent bobby” and had been in the middle of planning her wedding. He also paid tribute to Miss Hughes, describing her as a “chatterbox” and a “great bobby” who was “always smiling”.
Political reaction
Prime Minister David Cameron said: “The killing of two police officers in Manchester is a shocking reminder of the debt we owe to those who put themselves in danger to keep us safe and secure.
“I want to offer my thoughts, along with those of the whole country, to the families, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.”
Home Secretary Theresa May said: “This is a deeply shocking incident and a terrible reminder of the risks that police officers face every day to keep our communities safe.
“My thoughts are with the families of the officers and their colleagues at Greater Manchester Police.”
Wanted man
The hunt for Cregan has been an extensive one by Greater Manchester Police, and has included searches of more than 100 homes and a high-profile billboard campaign.
Police wanted to speak to Cregan in connection with the killings of David and Mark Short. David, the father, died in an attack at his home in Clayton on 10 August.
His son Mark was shot at the Cotton Tree pub in Droylsden on 25 May.
Four men have been charged in connection with Mark Short’s murder and are due to enter pleas at Manchester Crown Court in November. Earlier this month a 33-year-old man appeared at Manchester Crown Court charged with the murder of David Short.