'Darkest Day' After Two Officers Killed

The killing of two "brave" female police officers is "one of the darkest days in the history of the Greater Manchester Police", the force's chief constable has said.

Fiona Bone, 32, and 23-year-old Nicola Hughes, who were unarmed, died in a gun and grenade attack in Hattersley, according to police.

The pair had gone to the scene following reports of an apparent burglary.

Dale Cregan, 29, was arrested after going to a police station following the shooting. He is being detained on suspicion of killing the two officers.

He was already wanted in relation to the deaths of a father and son.

Chief Constable Sir Peter Fahy said of PC Bone and PC Hughes: "We have lost two deeply loved and valued colleagues" and the force was "devastated by the loss of two officers".

He paid tribute to them, describing PC Hughes as a "chatterbox" and a "great bobby" who was "always smiling".

Sir Peter said PC Bone was a "calm, gentle woman", an "excellent bobby" and had been in the middle of planning her wedding.

Prime Minister David Cameron described it as "a shocking reminder of the debt we owe to those who put themselves in danger to keep us safe and secure".

The president of the Association of Chief Police Officers, Sir Hugh Orde, said it was "deeply sad news" for the police service.

Steve Lloyd, trust manager of the Police Roll of Honour Trust, said the murders of the two women officers were "unprecedented".

"Our thoughts first and foremost go out to the family of the two murdered officers, their friends and colleagues," he said.

"It is unprecedented for two women officers to be murdered in the line of duty."

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."

Labour leader Ed Miliband said: "My thoughts and condolences are with the families and friends of two police officers killed today while trying to keep their community safe."

Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper described the incident as "tragic and deeply distressing news".

Greater Manchester Police have set up an online book of condolence.