CHILDHOOD friends of a police officer lured into a trap and gunned down in cold blood have spoken of their shock and horror.
PC Fiona Bone (32) grew up in Moray and went to school in Hopeman and Lossiemouth.
She and colleague PC Nicola Hughes (23) were killed as they responded to a routine incident at Abbey Gardens in Hattersley, near Manchester, shortly before 11am on Tuesday. Both died from gunshot wounds.
Following the incident, 29-year-old Dale Cregan walked into a nearby police station and was arrested on suspicion of the murder of two police officers.
He has also been arrested on suspicion of two counts of murder in relation to the investigation into the deaths of a father and son, David and Mark Short.
A 28-year-old man has also been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder in relation to the officers' deaths.
Fiona lived in Moray with her sister Vicky and parents Paul and June for over 10 years. Friends from that time have told ‘The Scot’ of their devastation at Fiona’s death.
In a statement released through the police, her family said: "In addition to the kind tribute from the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, may I add that our family have lost a wonderful daughter, sister, partner and parent to Jessie.
"Fiona enjoyed life to the full from her days with the Air training corps, rugby at University, to her service with the Police.
"She was planning her marriage to Clare and this joy has been taken from us.
"May I take this opportunity to thank officers from both Greater Manchester Police and the Isle of Man Police for their help and assistance at this time.
"Our thoughts are with Nicola’s family along with Fiona and Nicola’s fellow officers at Tameside police station."
Chief Constable Sir Peter Fahy, said: "This is one of the darkest days in the history of the Greater Manchester Police if not for the police service overall, because we have lost two deeply loved and valued colleagues, because they are part of our team. Policing is very much a family."
The two officers were responding to a bogus report of a burglary when they were confronted by a man armed with a gun and a hand grenade.
An online book of condolence has been opened and has attracted over 25,000 messages from well-wishers and this can be found at www.gmp.police.uk
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.
"Greater Manchester Police along with police forces across the UK are still very much in mourning and our specially trained staff are doing everything they can to support the families of Fiona and Nicola.
"Two hard working and brave young women did not go home to their loved ones last night. We are determined to bring each and every person involved in this incident to justice."
To read more on this story and tributes to Fiona Bone see 'The Northern Scot'.
