Brief Special Edition October 2012

Special Special Edition Edition October October 2012 2012 Special Special Edition Edition October October 2012 2012

PC Fiona Bone PC Nicola Hughes

About Nicola and Fiona

Nicola and Fiona: the best of British policing THIS special edition of Brief records one of the most tragic events in the history of GMP - two highly professional and dedicated officers killed in a savage and very violent act just going about their normal duties serving the public.

In the midst of the darkness however we saw the most amazing reaction from the public and from colleagues across the UK and indeed the world.

We saw two very dignified families devastated by their loss but hugely uplifted by the support and care they received. We saw an incredible response from GMP in organising two funerals which moved the whole country and provided a very fitting tribute to Fiona and Nicola—a great example of team

GMP. Most importantly however this is about two officers. Like many other officers who joined the Service full of dreams for the future, who loved their jobs, loved the camaraderie of their shift, loved serving the public and carried out their duties with great care, compassion and dedication.

They represented all that is best about British policing and that is why the public and colleagues responded in the remarkable way they did.

Fiona and Nicola provide a powerful example of self-sacrifice to us all and we must always honour their memories.

Chief Constable Sir Peter Fahy

Ordinary officers doing an extraordinary job THEY say “look beyond the uniform of every police officer and what you see is an ordinary person, doing an extraordinary job”. Nicola and Fiona were no different; they were ordinary young women doing an extraordinary job in an exceptional way and who had everything to live for.

Just six weeks before the fateful events of Tuesday 18 September, I was on patrol with Fiona and I very quickly learned that this was an officer who loved life, loved her job and was committed to making a difference.

We spoke at length about the bureaucracy and other processes which hindered response policing but impressively Fiona had a list of ways in which such processes could be improved. She spoke at length of her excitement at her forthcoming wedding to Clare and of the joy of their daughter Jess and we exchanged stories of the trials and tribulations of bringing up children. I cannot recall a four hour patrol period passing so quickly and being so entertaining before.

BriefSpecial SpecialEdition EditionOctober October2012 2012 22 Brief

Nicola was one of those officers who I would say every team needs.

She was great at her job, full of beans, had a great sense of humour and was a real joy to be around.

In her application form to join the police, Nicola wrote that she wanted to make a difference, that she wanted to make her family proud and that she wanted to change the image of the police by being the very best she could be. Without any doubt Nicola has achieved every ambition she set out on her form.

Words cannot describe the sadness and sense of loss the Division feels and my heart goes out to the incredible families of both Nicola and Fiona as their sense of loss must be magnified many times that of ours.

At 10:53hrs Tuesday 18 September, Police Constable Fiona Bone and Police Constable Nicola Hughes faced evil head on.

They did not run, they did not hide, they did not cower and allow evil to prevail. They stood tall and delivered against the very statement of the oath they swore when they became police officers.

We will never forget the sacrifice our officers gave but more importantly we will never forget Nicola and Fiona as people, as team mates and as beacons of all that is great about British Policing.

Nick Adderley Chief Superintendent Tameside

About Nicola and Fiona

About Nicola & Fiona Pages 4-7

Remembering Nicola & Fiona Pages 8-13 The Police Family Pages 14-20

Nicola Hughes

The Community Pages 21-25

1988-2012

The legacy Pages 26-28

Contributors to this special edition are: Chief Constable Sir Peter Fahy, Ch Supt Nick Adderley, Catherine Barlow, Janet Wilcox, Patricia Jones, Lynn Marsh, Emily Pugh, Amanda Coleman, Ian Hanson (Federation) Photographers: Chris Oldham, Geoff Lingard, Bill Morris and Lisa Marks from Corporate Media Imaging; PC Laura Bristow from North Manchester Division and Alex Flahive from the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service. Thanks also to Andy Walker, Forensic Imaging Analyst.

Designed and produced by: the Internal Communications Team and the Web Team from the Corporate Communications Branch.

Printed by: GMP Design and Print Unit

Fiona Bone 1979-2012

This special issue of Brief is dedicated to PC Fiona Bone and PC Nicola Hughes, who were killed in the line of duty on Tuesday 18 September 2012 while attending a routine burglary call in Hattersley, Tameside.

Brief Special 2012 BriefEdition SpecialOctober Edition October 2012 3 3

About Nicola and Fiona

The vibrant and dedicated Nicola Hughes

NICOLA was born at The Royal Oldham hospital on 16 October 1988 to parents Bryn and Sue. Her brother Sam was born three years later.

When old enough to start school, Nicola first attended Hey with Zion Primary in Oldham before moving to Diggle Primary a few years later then Saddleworth High School. Nicola loved school, she rarely missed a day, loved homework and was a straight ‘A’ student.

After finishing school Nicola studied Law and Psychology at Oldham sixth form college, before moving on to Huddersfield University where she studied social sciences.

Nicola’s first part-time job was as a waitress in the Bulls Head pub in Delph.

This is where she not only made many friends but also met her boyfriend Gareth.

In 2009 at the age of 20, Nicola’s application to become a police officer was accepted.

She cut short her time at university and began her career with Greater Manchester Police, a job she loved and had aspired to for a long time.

Nicola spent her service first as a neighbourhood officer and then as a response officer on ‘C’ relief at Tameside Division.

She set high standards for herself and impressed everyone with her dedication and her cheerfulness.

She had huge amounts of energy and initiative.

Outside work Nicola loved keeping fit, make-up, nails and socialising! Nicola also was a green belt in karate having taken up the sport in 2002.

As with most girls she also loved shopping and always made an effort to look beautiful.

Nicola’s parents described her as: “Bubbly, vibrant, full of life and confidence, yet at times still a little girl.

“She was also a caring person who liked to make people happy and lit up the room with her personality and sense of humour.”

Brave and caring CONSTABLE Nicola Hughes joined Greater Manchester Police on 3 August 2009.

She was only 20 years old which many will recognise as young for a recruit today, but it shows she impressed the selection panel with her readiness for the challenge ahead.

Despite her young years, she was incredibly mature. She showed herself highly capable in situations of disorder, brave when searching apparently unoccupied premises and going into the unknown but on the other hand showed great compassion to victims of crime.

On one occasion she stopped her police van to rescue a mouse being fought over by two cats.

Nicola in her dedication and professionalism in the way she carried out her duties showed that policing is not about muscle but is about reason, restraint and intelligence.

She had a promising career ahead of her but was driven not by personal ambition but by service to the public in need.

Nevertheless it is her warm smile and her gentleness that stand out from every picture of her. She will be greatly missed by everyone that knew her. We will never forget her sacrifice.

Chief Constable Sir Peter Fahy

How we will remember Nicola: I remember Nikki telling me with excitement that she was waiting to be able to join the police force. She was only 20 at the time. She knew what she wanted to do to be a part of an establishment that helped and protected the community, finally the count down came the training and then the enrolment. A very excited young lady a very committed lady, these memories will live with me forever. Nicola was a very loved part of our very small village community in Delph and will be very sadly missed R.I.P my little princess.

Monique Evans I had the honour of working with both

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A select

Fiona and Nicky. Nicky I trained with, and will never forget how she helped me with all the notes she would take for me during lessons, because she knew I was struggling with my dyslexia. I will never forget the laughs we had. I will miss you both. rest in peace! xx Claire Campbell & family

be forgotten. Our own GI Jane!! Love ya Nic.xx Gillian Buckley

LOST for words! RIP Nicola and Fiona.

Nicola was a dear friend of mine, the most caring and sweetest girl you could ever know. She was always laughing and always the centre of the craziness!! I will miss her so much, but she will never

YOU were a true friend Nicky so honest and loving going to miss you. lots of love Xx Suzie Broadbent

NICKY, we love you and you'll forever be in our hearts! You're now the brightest star in the sky, still looking and protecting over your family and friends! Love you.

The Hughes Gang

I trained with Nicky and now work in Stockport as part of the East

About Nicola and Fiona

PC Nicola Hughes is pictured to the right of Assistant Chief Constable Terry Sweeney during a response training session in 2009

A thank you from Nicola’s family NICOLA’S mother Susan, father Bryndon, their partners Michael and Natalie, brother Samuel and partner Natalie, and Nicola’s boyfriend Gareth, said: “We would like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to everyone who has supported our family following the death of our beloved Nicola.

“The level of support shown to us as a family from both the people of Manchester and the public in general has been overwhelming and heart warming.

“Greater Manchester Police have been extremely supportive in a sensitive and professional manner during the past four weeks and continue to be.

“The amount of support shown in public and towards us in private by other police forces from around the country would have made Nicola

immensely proud to have been part of this extended family. Whilst we continue to grieve for our beautiful daughter and come to terms with our tragic loss, we would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has paid tributes, sent cards and flowers and messages of support or merely stood at the roadside and demonstrated dignity and respect towards Nicola.

“We continue to draw strength from the immense support demonstrated by you all.”

tion of tributes from people who worked and were helped by PC Nicola Hughes Neighbourhood Policing Team. I am still stunned from hearing the news and am so very sad at the loss of a fine friend and officer. My sympathies are with the families of both Nicky and Fiona. Taken unnecessarily, you will both never be forgotten. Jim O'Neill I can’t believe your gone Nicky, you were always the life of any room you were in, I only wish that I would have stayed in contact with you over the past few years.

You have served your country proud, rest in peace and the same to PC Bone.

Sean Elliott

I work in a bar in Stalybridge and I had the absolute pleasure of talking to PC Hughes a few weeks ago outside the bar. I just wanted to say that she was a joy to talk to and seemed as though she loved her job tremendously. Such a sad sad loss. Steve Eggie Edgar I don't know what I'll do without Nicky.

You were the best friend and cousin I could ask for. You dedicated your life to helping others and died doing the job you loved. Truly one of the most beautiful people I have ever known,

inside and out. Love you Nic Nic xxxxx Naomi Walker NICOLA you were one of the best students I ever supported and I enjoyed every meeting for the two years we spent together. To be honest there was not that much need for my support because you were so organised, enthusiastic, clever, kind, thoughtful plus you always brightened my day with your beautiful smile, which I will always miss. RIP xxx Jo Wainhouse

Brief Special Edition October 2012 5

About Nicola and Fiona

Happy and fulfilled: Fiona in love with life

FIONA was born in Norwich on 31 December 1979 to parents June and Paul.

When she was 15 months old she moved to Scotland with her family but as Fiona’s father was in the forces the family moved frequently.

In July 1997 Fiona and her family moved to the Isle of Man where she was able to finish her A levels. After finishing sixth form Fiona went on to study Film and Media at Preston University.

After graduating from university Fiona worked in the film industry on the Isle of Man for a short time. As filming was restricted to Spring and Summer she decided on a career change and so moved to Manchester where she started work at Direct Line Insurance.

Fiona joined Greater Manchester Police as a volunteer Special Constable on the North Manchester Division in November 2005, she became a full time officer in January 2007 and was posted to the Tameside Division.

Fiona met her partner Clare three years ago through a mutual friend, they moved in together in December 2011 and planned to marry next May. Not only was Fiona in love with Clare but there was also another special person in her life – Clare’s five-year-old daughter Jessie.

Fiona loved taking Jessie bike riding, swimming and even taught her climbing using the climbing wall.

Fiona used to say that picking Jessie up from school and giving her a hug was the best part of her day.

Fiona was an active person who enjoyed keeping fit, climbing and

A compassionate and dedicated officer IT is clear that ‘helping people’ and building community spirit was at the heart of everything Fiona did. She quickly gained recognition as an officer who set the highest standards for herself and for others.

In October 2009, Fiona was awarded a Chief Superintendent's Commendation for her outstanding contribution to an investigation relating to burglaries and robberies.

She was commended for her dedication and determination in securing the convictions of those involved. Fiona treated everyone with dignity, compassion and respect whatever their background. In 2010, she received a letter of thanks from a person she had arrested and prosecuted. In the letter, the individual thanked Fiona for her assistance in getting him help to change his ways and for being ‘a decent police officer’. Her contribution related not just to her work but to her personality, to her character and presence within the team and within the Force. The memory of her humanity and dedication will last forever within the hearts of those who had the pleasure of knowing her and working with her. We will never forget her great sacrifice.

Chief Constable Sir Peter Fahy

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walking. She played ladies rugby and represented the Isle of Man. Her love of being active had spread to her colleagues on her shift as did her enjoyment of camping.

Her enthusiasm for camping was infectious and several police colleagues had been encouraged to join her.

Fiona had also recently taken up playing the guitar – an instrument she had always wanted to learn how to play and she really enjoyed it.

Fiona was a happy person whose love of life and open personality endeared those around her, she saw good in others and with her easy manner was able to get on with everyone.

She was dearly loved by her family, fulfilled in her relationship with Clare, delighted in her parenting of Jessie and proud to be doing the job she loved – being a police officer.

A thank you from Fiona’s family FIONA’S mother and father, June and Paul, sister Vicky, partner Clare and Clare’s daughter Jessie, said: “We would like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to everyone who has supported our family following the death of our beloved Fiona.

“Words cannot properly express how we feel, but please know that we will not forget the overwhelming amount of sympathy we have received.

“We especially wish to thank Greater Manchester Police for its exceptional level of care, sensitivity and professionalism, and the other police forces around the country for their support; you have all done Fiona proud.

“The people of Manchester and the Great British public have shown us more compassion than we could ever properly thank them for.

“Although this has been the darkest time of our lives, your many acts of kindness have been and continue to be a source of great comfort and strength to us.”

About Nicola and Fiona

Memories of Fiona she has been taken from us, her partner, her daughter, her family, her friends and the community which she chose to proudly serve. Fiona you will never be forgotten, for anyone who ever was lucky enough to meet you, your infectious happiness and natural compassion will have imparted in them an everlasting memento of your time shared. x A Nelson IT’S hard to accept that you have been taken away from us in such a violent way. You were only there helping everyone else, doing a job you loved. We are going to miss you so much Fi, both of you have made your country proud! Laura Crawley FIONA, we started our Police career together, I never thought yours would have ended like this.

You were always smiling, always happy, a genuinely nice person.

You were a credit to GMP, the people you served, and I am proud to have shared the experiences we did, and proud to of known you. Rest in peace xx Sarah Wilkinson FIONA was a massive help to me whilst I served as a special constable for GMP. She helped to instil a confidence in me with her unwavering professionalism and love for her job. Rest in peace girls.

Stephen Greer I had the pleasure of being helped by PC Fiona following a theft. We spent an hour in my house talking it through over tea.

By the end, I felt valued, respected and that somebody cared about what had happened. An absolute credit to the police, and to herself as a wonderful human being. Someone I remember as helping me when I needed help. I obviously have no useful words for family and friends. My deepest sympathies.

Fiona will be greatly missed by many people, like me, who she came to help.

Alan Mellor I will never forget the help that Fiona gave me and my ex husband whilst away camping last year at Edale, my son and I were taken ill and we had to go home early, Fiona and her colleagues helped my ex husband to pack up our tent and camping equipment as I was too ill to do it, she was a star and will be greatly missed x Jo Worsley SHE really was one of life’s good guys which makes it all the more painful that

AS a friend of Fi I have struggled to find the words to do her justice. She was a lovely person and lots of fun to be around. She was so easy to get along with, to know her was to be her friend.

David Gonzalez IT was a pleasure to know you Fiona in a time where we had first joined the force as specials, so many laughs i will never forget me you and Bonnie at the back of the classroom. So sad that both of these young women have had their lives taken when they still had so much to look forward too. Mark Dawson FIONA, it was an absolute pleasure knowing you. We had some great times together and they will remain close to my heart always. xxxxxx Michelle Burgess

A selection of tributes from people who worked and were helped by PC Fiona Bone Kevin Maguire is a former GMP officer, now with the South Australia Police in Adelaide. He made the 10,100 mile journey back to Manchester to be at both Fiona and Nicola’s funerals.

Kevin said: “Having joined GMP with Fiona in January 2007, her and I were really good friends both in and out of work. From the first moment you met Fiona, you were drawn to her because she had all the special qualities you wanted in a friend. Fiona was always there for me, and supported me when I needed it. Nothing was ever too much trouble for her. She was a genuine friend who offered sound advice. She easily transitioned through our group making friends with everybody. Fiona was that rare person that fitted into everybody's life.

"I remember the moment we met, on our first day of training we were asked to stand in a circle and introduce ourselves one by one. I was really nervous as was everyone else but Fiona just had this beaming smile and when it got to her turn to speak she was just so confident.

“I left GMP in March this year – Fiona was at my leaving do. She was such a good friend I just had to come back to pay my respects.

“I was lucky enough to be inside the Cathedral for the service which was beautiful and such a fitting tribute to an amazing person.

"All police stations in South Australia lowered their flags in honour of Fiona and Nicola (pictured below). There are a large number of officers who now work as part of the South Australian police force so this was a really nice tribute."

DEAREST Fiona. You were a close friend of my fiancee, who is an Officer in the Lancashire Police Service. She is devastated and misses you so very much - I know that when you were out with her a couple of weeks ago, you had both been discussing your weddings next year. Indeed you were coming to ours and we were coming to yours. We will hold you in our hearts forever - and will reserve a special place for you at our ceremony in August. With love and best wishes xxxx Chris Mullis

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Remembering Nicola and Fiona

“She was friendly and full of life, always willing to give a helping hand and a chatterbox who always kept everybody else awake.�

Sgt Stephen Miskell

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Remembering Nicola and Fiona

The funeral of PC Nicola Hughes Manchester Cathedral, Wednesday 3rd October, 1pm POLICE officers and members of the public from around the UK stood in silence all along Deansgate up to Manchester Cathedral to honour PC Nicola Hughes.

Led by six police horses the cortege passed Deansgate where the silence was broken only by spontaneous applause.

At Manchester Cathedral colleagues from Tameside Division formed the Guard of Honour. For the thousands of others who stood outside, the service was broadcast on a screen outside Cathedral Gardens. As people stood to pay their respects they watched as Nicola’s colleagues read a number of poems and readings, including Inspector Jane Brown (pictured right). Police chaplain, Keith Steward spoke about Nicola, who was described as a kind and considerate person while Chief Constable Sir Peter Fahy also spoke about her maturity and her great sacrifice.

“Despite her young years she was incredibly mature, and had a great sense of humour. She was a fighter, whether engaged in her favourite sport of karate or fighting for justice for a victim of crime.”

Chief Constable Sir Peter Fahy

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The Police Family

The worldwide police family send their condolences GMP has been overwhelmed with thousands of messages of support Here are a selection of their thoughts THE thoughts and prayers of our unit go out to the family and friends of our sister officers. Shall we never forget the sacrifice they made protecting others without hesitation. Rest In Peace!

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Bomb Squad OFFICERS and staff of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force were deeply saddened to hear about the tragic deaths of Constable Fiona Bone and Constable Nicola Hughes. It is with deepest regret that we offer our thoughts and prayers for the two slain Officers and their families, friends and colleagues. This terrible event serves as a reminder of the daily sacrifices Police Officers make when carrying out their duties.

We salute the bravery and selflessness of our fallen comrades.

Ag.Commissioner of Police, David Morris On behalf of the Officers and Staff of the RVIPF FROM across the ocean, I salute the supreme sacrifice made by the two PCs. Rest in Peace, sisters, and to the GMP, stay strong.

Aux. Inspector Eric Wollman, NYPD IT is with great sadness that we learned of the death of two police officers.

International Police Association Section

France, family of French security forces, National Police and Municipal, National Gendarmerie, Customs, Police and Transport offer their condolences to the families, colleagues and friends of these two young women. Rest in peace, Ladies Valerie BELOTTE, IPA France National Secretary AS a German police officer I really mourn the death of my two British colleagues in Manchester - PC Nicola Hughes, 23, and PC Fiona Bone, 32 R.I.P. I like to send my condolence in deep respect to their families!!

Lt. Gabor Balint, Polizei Nienburg, Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony), Germany DEAR colleagues of the Greater Manchester Police, I have been deeply hurt by the death of PC Fiona Bone und PC Nicola Hughes. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and their families.

God bless you all!

Deacon Uwe EGLAU, Police chaplain in Vienna, Austria, Europe and Member of the International Conference of Police Chaplains TERRIBLE news to hear the lost of two police officers. I wish the family, friends and the Manchester police force a lot of strength for the future. Rest in peace

Henk Riemens Detective police Zeeland Holland CONDOLENCES to the family, friends and colleagues. Never forget the fallen Tjorven Vanhauwaert - Belgium Police MY thoughts and prayers to the families, colleagues and friends of PC Bone and PC Hughes. As a Belgian police-officer, I lost a colleague and a friend too almost 5 years ago. RIP PC Fiona and Nicola.

You will be remembered as 2 brave police-officers‌ VICCA Boris AS a colleague in Sweden at Stockholm Police enforcement I send my deepest and warmest regards to the families, colleagues and friends of our two young and brave colleagues. My deepest sympathies for the families left behind.

We are one family, and I mourn the loss of two of my colleagues Britta Hackzell, Sweden MAY God bless and give comfort and peace to the families, friends and coworkers of Constable Bone and Constable Hughes. May they Rest In Peace‌ Antoni Mussons Fisher (Catalonian Police, Spain; EOD Unit) I can't find words to express my feelings.

Just mourning together can make such a terrible condolence more bearable. I'm close to families and colleagues; I hope it will work out.

Alfredo CASSIA, A.C. Met Police Milan, Italy

Queensland Police remember Nicola and Fiona at their National Police Remembrance Day on September 28

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AS a fellow police officer in Dublin Ireland, I was deeply saddened to hear of the news of the murder of PC Bone and PC Hughes. I wish to extend my sympathy to the families, friends and colleagues of Fiona and Nicola. May they rest in peace and may God extent his healing hand to those close to them in the times ahead. In a small church in the midlands of Ireland a candle will be lit in memory of these two fine officers.

The Police Family

The alarm clock goes off

PC Amie Holland of the Bolton division didn’t know Nicola or Fiona but she knew what their working lives were like.

She penned this poem for them.

The alarm clock goes off, it's early in the morn, I rub my eyes as I let out a yawn.

As I dress my mind wonders of the that day that lies ahead, As I count the hours until I can return to my bed.

Another working day as I creep from my house, Leaving loved ones to sleep, I'm as quiet as a mouse.

My car pulls from the drive, the radio blurs into life, What will the day bring, what troubles, what strife?

There it is, my nick, I see it, I care, As I pass by the badge I so proudly wear.

Vest on, belt on, to the parade room I go, To my colleagues and friends, banter in full flow.

We're briefed up and ready for the challenges of the day, To serve and protect in every sigle way.

In our panda we patrol listening so carefully, To the radio on which a call soon will there be.

And it comes, it's inevitable, a job there for us, A call for help, for the help of 'the fuzz.'

"On route" I say as we continue to chat, Most likely about refs or of this and of that.

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All so quickly we arrive, to the house we draw near, Then I see him, it's him, I cannot move with fear.

The most wanted man standing here in front of me, Then I see it, there's a bang, all is still, this cannot be.

It's dark, I'm alone, "What happened?" I say, Why did this become that dreaded day?

I have a family, a life stretching out before me, Though most just don't see it, she's just another PC. Yes I have seen and done things that most of you fear, For the job and the badge that I hold oh so dear.

But I'm not just a uniform, I'm a person too, Yes I may be a bobby, but I'm someone's daughter like you.

But today I have made the ultimate sacrifice, With my life I have paid the largest price.

With pride and integrity, I did serve and protect, Though at times it was hard and we were shown no respect.

But it was our job, off we went, so professional and formal, Not knowing this day would be anything but normal.

I have no regrets, the service I willingly gave, Day in and day out, I never saw it as brave.

And now I move on, new friends most I meet, As I walk my shift on heaven's beat.

But please don't forget me, on parade I once sat, Just a girl who happened to wear a bobby's hat.

The Community

Manchester comes together

WHAT the public told us…..

“I am here because police officers stopped my apartment from being raided during the riots and anyone who gets hurt doing a job like that, I have to stand shoulder to shoulder with them.”

“I am here because anybody in uniform who serves the country deserves to be honoured and respected.”

“I come from where the two officers were killed. This is a very sad day. The police do a great job, two young officers like that. I am sorry I cannot say any more because I am too upset.”

“It’s just very, very sad that these people have lost their lives. The turnout is amazing, just police as far as you can see shoulder to shoulder and it’s so touching that all those police have come and done this.”

“Myself and my colleague work together as two female officers and obviously the tragedy has affected us badly and that’s why we decided to come and show our respects today.”

“I have come here to show my support

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for the police. I appreciate all that they do. For these two young ladies to be killed doing their duty, when they were only going to help somebody, it’s a terrible waste of life and I wish them all the best and their family and I am thinking about them all the time.”

“I am here to show support and respect.”

Mario.

“I am a hundred per cent behind the police. My wife is a PCSO. This is terrible and I’d like to put my own views forward but I can’t. I will be glad when this is over because it’s a very sad day.”

“We run a public services course and some of our students are interested in joining the police force and so we thought it was appropriate that we show our respects as part of the college. But we are also here as individuals. We have given the students the option of coming here. Manchester College is proud to be part of the community and we wanted to make this gesture to support the fallen police officers.”

“Six years ago my fiancé went missing and I was in contact with the police and when they found him he had died. The police were very kind to me so I never forgot that. I was very upset when I heard about these two officers. I had to come and show my respects even though I never met them.”

“I just want to say that I came today because the police do a good job. They are part of us and they care about us.

There are some bad people out there, not like these lovely police ladies.”

“Fiona used to come to our Tesco store so I have come here to pay my respects.”

“A sad day, never to be repeated. I am here to stand by these brave men and women.”

“I was moved to come today because I just wanted to pay my respects and show my support for the police because without the police it would be a free for all, like the Wild West, we would be all barricaded into our homes and using our own weapons and it would just be horrendous. It’s just a mark of a civilised society to have a police force as the arm of law and order. If you don’t respect the police well then you might as well just give up on democracy and civilisation.”

The Community PEOPLE from Manchester and the rest of the country have shown huge support for policing by sharing their own messages of condolence to Nicola and Fiona’s families. When the news about this tragic event unfolded, the feeling of loss reverberated right across the country and world. Thousands visited the book of condolence, Twitter and Facebook to express their own thoughts and wishes.

The greatest police service mourns the death of two dedicated officers. I share the sentiments of everyone else, it is a tragic loss and I send my condolences to the families, friends, fellow offices and loved ones at this time. Police forces in the UK are the best in the world, unarmed and willing to always put themselves at risk. Keep up the good work. I sleep easier at night knowing you are around.

I was so saddened to hear of the death in the line of duty of these two brave police officers. My condolences to their families, colleagues and Greater Manchester Police. Nicola Hughes was the same age as my son, just starting her life, so so tragic.

I will pray for them both and their families and for those who go out everyday in UK and here in Ireland to protect us all regardless of their own safety.

Thinking of all the police officers who lay their life on the line every day.

Sending my deepest condolences to the families and the friends of two very fine police officers. Your work and your sacrifice is most highly valued and I wish the families well in recovering from this horrible crime.

RIP PC Fiona Bone and PC Nicola Hughes. You will never be forgotten.

From Sydney Australia...Love and best wishes to all touched by this senseless act...we trace our roots back to Great Britain and we grieve with you...I am so sorry for your pain.

I have thanked the police service, my son nearly died in an accident, they were my rock. I am so in debt to what those officers did in my time of need.

My thanks, respect and love go out to all in the police service. My deepest sympathy to the families of the two officers who were shot in the line of duty. You are in my thoughts, sleep well. RIP xx

I am the mother of a serving female police officer in the Lancashire force and I would like to offer my heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of both Fiona and Nicola. I cannot begin to I imagine what you are all going through right now but our thoughts are with you. We, the British public owe you.

So tragic the loss of two young and promising officers, taken in their prime. So sad that we are reminded yet again of the risks that police officers take every day whilst trying to make the local community a better and safer place to live. Your efforts will not be forgotten. My heartfelt sympathies go to the two officers' families, friends and colleagues.

I thought it was appropriate to share this, purely to reinforce the great respect and gratitude that most members of the public have for the wonderful and difficult job that the police do. Just over a year ago, my 24-yr-old son was killed in a traffic accident. I received a lovely letter today from North Yorkshire Police Force inviting me to a memorial service. What a wonderful gesture. I have nothing but praise for the police.

My deepest condolences to the families and friends of these two officers, RIP PC Bone and PC Hughes. An absolute waste of lives but please remember that there are far more good people in the world than bad.

My sincere condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of PC Fiona Bone and PC Nicola Hughes. May you find some comfort in the tide of sadness and shock shown by so many. It is at times like these when we perhaps realise what a dangerous job these marvelous people do on our behalf.

Brief Special Edition October 2012 23

The Legacy

Continuing to suppo

Commemorative wristbands THE Police Federation offered the opportunity for people to show their support towards the two fallen police officers by buying commemorative wristbands.

GMP Federation Chairman Ian Hanson, said: “So far about 40,000 have been sold. The figure is growing on a constant basis, as fast

as they are coming in we are sending them out, but the demand is phenomenal.

“The wristbands were the idea of Fiona and Nicola’s team and are a wonderful way of showing both visible remembrance and the same time providing financial support.”

Donations pour in DONATIONS have come in from all over the country, friends, colleagues and members of the public have donated more than £9,000 in the first month and money is continuing to be sent in.

The families of Fiona and Nicola have chosen two charities to send 26 Brief Special Edition October 2012

the donations to, the North West Benevolent fund, a charity who raise money to help officers and their families in times of crisis and Care of Police Survivors (otherwise known as COPS) who are dedicated to helping the families of police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, rebuild their lives.

Remembering Nicola and Fiona

Street art by Paul Don Smith, painted on a wall in Notting Hill, London

28 Brief Special Edition October 2012