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Saturday, September 22, 2012

Two unarmed female officers killed in ambush

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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/9550417/Two-female-police-officers-shot-dead-in-Manchester-as-man-arrested.html

Two female police officers have died after being lured to an apparent ambush where there were callously gunned down.

Fiona Bone, 32, and Nicola Hughes, 23, were responding to a routine report of a house burglary in the Mottram district of Greater Manchester when they were killed.


Shortly after the incident Dale Cregan, 29, who was being sought in connection with a gun and grenade attack in the city, walked into a police station and was arrested on suspicion of their murder.

It is understood that a number of shots were fired during the incident and a grenade was also detonated.

At a news conference, Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police revealed that it was believed Cregan, or someone acting on his behalf had deliberately made a call to the police reporting a burglary in a bid to lure officers to their deaths.

Cregan was wanted for questioning in connection with the death of David Short, who died in a gun and grenade attack at his home in August.

He was also wanted for questioning in connection with the death of his son Mark, who was killed earlier this year in a shooting.

It was initially confirmed that one officer had died and another was fighting for her life, but Greater Manchester Police later confirmed that the second officer had also died.

A spokesman for the force said: "The two female police officers, who were unarmed, suffered serious injuries and one officer tragically died at the scene. Medical teams were quickly on the scene to provide treatment and armed response vehicles have secured the area."

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."

Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said: "This is tragic and deeply distressing news. This is a painful demonstration of how police officers put themselves in harm's way every day to protect the public.

"We should pay tribute to the bravery of the two officers today who have given so much in their work to keep us safe, and our thoughts are also with their friends and colleagues in Greater Manchester Police. This is a tragedy that will be felt throughout the country."

Paul McKeever, Chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “This is devastating news and our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends and colleagues at this extremely difficult time.

This tragedy makes us all stop and reflect on the very real dangers police officers face every day serving their local communities.

"These extremely courageous officers have sadly paid the ultimate price for their selfless actions and no words can express our regret nor comfort their families. The entire police service throughout the UK mourn their loss.”

Derek Barnett, President of the Police Superintendents' Association of England and Wales said: “Today once again we have seen how police officers pay the ultimate price in losing their lives to protect the public.

"Whilst we still don't know the full circumstances, this tragic situation demonstrates the uniqueness of the Office of Constable, a duty not to walk away from danger.

"It also serves as a reminder of the risks that officers face on a regular basis. At the beginning of their tour of duty these two officers would have had no idea what lay ahead of them.

"I'm sure few words will offer true comfort to the families, colleagues and friends at such a difficult time, but our thoughts and prayers are with them.”

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