Cregan charged with killings

Dale Cregan was last night charged with the murders of two police officers in a gun and grenade attack, police said.

The 29-year-old is also accused of killing father and son David and Mark Short in separate incidents earlier this year.

In addition, he faces three charges of attempted murder.

The deaths of Pcs Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone during a bogus burglary call in Hattersley, Greater Manchester, on Tuesday shocked the nation and has elicited an outpouring of sympathy.

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Nazir Afzal, chief crown prosecutor for CPS North West, said: ''The tragic events this week in which Constables Fiona Bone and Nicola Hughes lost their lives in the line of duty have shocked and appalled the whole country.

"I would like to take this opportunity to express my sympathies to their families, friends and to all their colleagues in Greater Manchester Police on their very sad loss.

"I have today authorised the police to charge 29-year-old Dale Cregan with their murders and with the murders of Mark Short – who was killed at the Cotton Tree Inn, in Droylsden on May 25 – and David Short, who was killed at his home in Clayton on August 10.

"Cregan has also been charged with the attempted murders of Michael Belcher, Ryan Pridding and John Short on May 25 and Sharon Hark on August 10.

"He will appear in custody at Manchester City Magistrates' Court tomorrow.

"The Crown Prosecution Service and Greater Manchester Police are determined to deliver justice for those who have been killed and for their families and we will continue working closely during the investigations into these deaths.

"May I remind all concerned that, as Dale Cregan has now been charged with criminal offences, it is very important that nothing is said, or reported, which could prejudice that trial and jeopardise the course of justice in this case.

"For these reasons I am not able to comment further about the case at this time."

Sir Peter Fahy, Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, who was also at the press conference at the force's headquarters, said: "I'd just like to say this is a complex investigation.

"I would ask that anybody who has information about the murders of our two officers or the other murders we have just been hearing about, that those people look at their conscience and come forward.''