Family and colleagues gather at public vigil for two murdered policewomen

The relatives of two murdered policewomen joined hundreds of their colleagues and the 
public for a vigil and minute’s 
silence yesterday.

PCs Fiona Bone, 32, and Nicola Hughes, 23, had been called to a burglary on the Hattersley estate in Tameside, Greater Manchester, when they were attacked last Tuesday morning.

Hundreds of people gathered near Abbey Gardens, Hattersley, where the silence was observed at 10:58am to mark a week since the attack.

At the entrance to the road was a stage with two large pictures of the fallen constables.

Leading Greater Manchester Police were Chief Constable 
Sir Peter Fahy and Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan.

Rank and file police officers standing nearby, some carrying candles, bowed their heads in sombre thought as the silence was observed.

Members of the public crowded under umbrellas to shelter from the relentless rain.

Community volunteer Elsie Dixon said: “Yes, we are hurting. But the families, friends and colleagues of those two young lasses are hurting a damn sight more.”

Struggling to compose herself, she added: “Our hearts are overflowing with tears. As many raindrops as you see, as many petals as you see on the flowers. Those tears are within each of our hearts.”

Dale Cregan has appeared in court accused of the murder of the officers.