Condolences to Greater Manchester Police colleagues

It was with a deep sense of sadness that I heard about the deaths of two colleagues from Greater Manchester Police yesterday.

Whilst details are still emerging, Constables Fiona Bone (32) and Nicola Hughes (23) had been called to attend what was reported to be a domestic burglary.

Tragically, it appears they had been callously lured to their deaths. Sadly this scenario is all too familiar having lost so many of my colleagues in the Royal Ulster Constabulary GC and Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Policing is an extended family and when colleagues are killed, particularly in the line of duty, that sense of loss is felt right across the entire policing community locally, nationally and internationally.

I know Chief Constable Sir Peter Fahy personally and as I watched him last night speaking to the media, it was very clear that Greater Manchester Police had lost two excellent colleagues and the community in which they served had lost two fine young police officers.

Yesterday morning they had started their shift and were out there doing the job they loved; helping, supporting and reassuring the people of Hattersley.

Our Chief Constable has written to Sir Peter offering the sincere condolences of the officers and staff of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, and any help and support whatsoever that we may be able to offer at this time.

Our thoughts and prayers are very much with the families of Fiona and Nicola, and our colleagues in Greater Manchester, at this very sad and difficult time.