Police Shootings: Tributes Paid To 'Wonderful' PC

The family of PC Fiona Bone, who was shot dead with her colleague PC Nicola Hughes in Manchester, have paid tribute to a "wonderful daughter, sister, partner and parent".

PC Bone, 32, was soon to be married and leaves behind her partner Clare and daughter Jessie.

"Fiona enjoyed life to the full from her days with the Air Training Corps, rugby at university, to her service with the police," the family said in a statement.

"She was planning her marriage to Clare and this joy has been taken from us.

"Our thoughts are with Nicola's family along with Fiona and Nicola's fellow officers at Tameside police station."

Their tribute came after the pair's colleagues held a minute's silence to honour the PCs, who died after they went to investigate what appeared to be a routine burglary report.

Manchester United players wore black armbands during their Champions League match against Galatasaray at Old Trafford as a matk of respect for the officers.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: "We are all deeply saddened by the tragic loss of two young policewomen protecting our community.

"Fiona and Nicola were highly valued members of Greater Manchester Police and the local community.

"Our thoughts and prayers are now with their families and friends at this devastatingly sad time."

Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan, said: "We have been touched by the many thousands of messages of support that we have received from the public who are as shocked as we are following the tragic deaths of our two officers yesterday.

"Greater Manchester Police along with police forces across the UK are still very much in mourning today and our specially trained staff are doing everything they can to support the families of Fiona and Nicola."

More than 25,000 messages of condolence have been left on the force website by members of the public, 19,000 via Facebook and another 1,000 on Twitter.

More than one million people have viewed the force's Facebook updates.

"Clearly the whole force, and indeed the whole police service, is devastated by the deaths of these two brave colleagues," Sir Peter told reporters.

"But to know at this difficult time that the public support what we do and feel so strongly about the sacrifice of these officers, and are giving such support to their family, is really important to us."

Natalie Kunath wrote: "As a serving police officer this is our worst fear! May you both rest in peace. My thoughts are with family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time. This is a dark day for the entire police family."

A message from Claire Davidson read: "I have known Nicola since she was a little girl, she was such a nice girl. I send all my love to both ladies' families, friends and colleagues."

Gail wrote: "Fiona took a statement from me when I was a victim of domestic abuse. I warmed to her straight away. She was kind and gentle and understanding.

"She put me at ease and even threw in a giggle or two, an amazing lovely woman."

PC Hughes' family, meanwhile, said she had died doing "the job she loved".

"Nicola always wanted to make a difference and, in doing so, she made such a big difference to everyone she knew. She cared about everyone and especially her colleagues," they said in a statement.

"Nicola was only 23 years old and had the whole of her life in front of her.

"We cannot express how we feel today except to say we have always been exceedingly proud of Nicola and always will be. She knew she was loved by us all and we shall all miss her dreadfully."

A vigil has also taken place for the officers at a church in Hyde, where candles were lit and prayers said. Flowers have also been laid in tribute at the scene in Hattersley.

One note attached read: "Nik and Fi, You swore to protect and serve. I hope you can still do that from heaven with all the other police guardian angels.

"I will never forget you beautiful ladies. It was a pleasure to have known you and work with you. God bless, sleep tight, Emma C x x".

Chairman of the Greater Manchester Police Federation Ian Hanson called the killings "the slaughter of the innocents", while Prime Minister David Cameron said they were an "absolutely despicable act of pure evil".

The Queen also paid tribute to the fallen officers.

In a statement, the Lord-Lieutenant's office said: "In a letter to the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester, Sir Peter Fahy, Her Majesty expressed her sincere condolences to the families of PC Nicola Hughes and PC Fiona Bone at the tragic loss of their lives."

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